Belgian Driver Sets Safari Rally Pace in Kenya

One of motorsport's most challenging events roared back to life in Kenya this week, bringing world-class racing and international attention to East Africa's stunning landscapes.

The 2026 WRC Safari Rally launched Thursday in Naivasha, with Belgian driver Thierry Neuville topping the timing sheets in the opening shakedown. The event draws competitors from around the globe to tackle some of the toughest terrain in professional rallying.

Neuville posted an impressive time of 4 minutes and 33.1 seconds on the brand-new Nawisa test course, a punishing 6.31-kilometer track that climbs through rocky quarries before descending onto narrow, rutted paths. He finished 1.8 seconds ahead of championship rival Oliver Solberg, who's making just his fourth start for Toyota Gazoo Racing.

The race marks a special milestone for Neuville. This is his 185th WRC start, moving him past legendary driver Sébastien Loeb to become the second-most experienced competitor in the championship's history.

Recent rainfall added extra challenge to already demanding conditions. Drivers reported slippery surfaces and grip levels that changed by the minute, testing even the most seasoned competitors.

The event showcased impressive performances from emerging talent too. M-Sport Ford's Joshua McErlean and Jon Armstrong, both Irish drivers, finished within five seconds of Neuville's benchmark time. Armstrong is making his Rally1 gravel debut, proving that Kenya's Safari Rally continues to be a proving ground for racing's next generation.

The Ripple Effect

The Safari Rally's return to the international calendar brings more than just excitement for motorsport fans. The event puts Kenya and East Africa in the global spotlight, showcasing the region's dramatic landscapes to millions of viewers worldwide. It also brings economic benefits to local communities in Naivasha and surrounding areas through tourism, employment, and infrastructure development. For young Kenyans passionate about motorsport, seeing world champions race through their backyard inspires dreams of competing on the world stage themselves.

Competitive racing begins with the Camp Moran stage, where drivers will face the full force of Safari conditions. The weekend ahead promises thrilling competition as crews navigate one of the most demanding events in world rallying.