This archive report was first published on 27 June 2021.
Naivasha, June 26, 2021 - The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the WRC Safari Rally as drivers face off against the notorious Hell's Gate circuit, a 10.56km stretch that promises to be a real test of skill and endurance.
According to former WRC boss George Donaldson, the final stretch will be a 'sting in the tail' for the dare-devil drivers, with the added challenge of navigating the circuit twice.
Donaldson, who analyzed the section for dirtfish.com, described Hell's Gate as a 'very challenging road from the onset', with a steep uphill climb that has been regraded at the moment.
Before the regrading, the soil was a meter deep, dragging and pulling cars off the road, making it a free-fall for drivers.
As the drivers start off through a beautiful graded road, they will then proceed with this stretch for about 300m before they start an uphill climb, which is really steepy.
Donaldson explained that cars will haul while getting to the top of the 1.3km hill, it's a very rough up climb, but the road here is not narrow, apart from a couple of junctions.
Once at the top, the drivers will tackle a left flat turn which is about 600m wide before they start a strong steep descend, through very difficult and narrow passages, with a two-metre slant on one side of the road.
As the drivers continue with their hair-raising downhill maneuvers, they will face a serious test of man and machine, with the stage opening up wide again over a 600m stretch.
The 1.56km media zone at the start of the stage will offer the drivers a great view of the Ol Karia Geothermal wells that are on the background, while the medium right fast bend with a deep wash-away on the inside will grant the speed merchants a good view of the Hell's Gate National Park.
