This archive report was first published on 10 May 2021.
Kenya is set to host the Safari Rally, a prestigious motorsport event, after a 19-year hiatus. The event, scheduled for June 24-27, will feature top drivers, including reigning World Rally Champion Sebastien Ogier.
Sebastien Ogier, a French speed merchant, will be navigated by compatriot Julien Ingrassia and will compete under the global banner of the WRC Toyota Gazoo Racing Team. The team has unveiled the 2019 WRC Yaris GR winning replica, flown from Finland, which Ogier will drive.
The Safari Rally will traverse the unforgiving terrains of Naivasha, including the rocky Sleeping Warrior, the volcanic Malewa zone, and the scenic Soysambu Conservancy. The 1.6-litre, turbo-charged, permanent four-wheel-drive Yaris packs a road-splitting 475 Newton/metre torque.
"Rear wings help in keeping the vehicle on the ground," Toyota Kenya Sales and Product Trainer Sukhjiv Singh Kular explained.
Sebastien Ogier is hopeful of winning in the Kenyan event to increase his chances of bagging eight WRC Driver's Championship titles. He has already won the title seven times, in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2020.
Other drivers who will compete at the Safari in a Yaris GR include Elfyin Evans of Wales, navigated by Scott Martin of the United Kingdom, and Kalle Rovanpera of Finland, whose pace notes will be called out by compatriot Jonne Halttunen.
Toyota has an enviable record of eight Safari Rally victories and six drivers championship titles. Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed hailed the return of Toyota to the Safari, saying, "Over the years, the company has continued to build strong and reliable motorsports cars."
