The second day of Safari Rally Kenya has come to an end. Gus Greensmith retained the WRC2 class lead after the day.
SS2, Loldia 1
Gus Greensmith kicked off the second day with a stage win. Greensmith posted a time 7.7 seconds faster than Oliver Solberg to top the stage. Kajetan Kajetanowicz rounded out the top three times on the stage, finishing 20.1 seconds slower than Solberg.
SS3, Geothermal 1
Gus Greensmith also took the stage win on the third stage of Safari Rally Kenya. The Brit set a time 10.1 seconds faster than Kajetan Kajetanowicz to top his third consecutive stage. Niclas Ciamin finished third fastest on the stage, 10.3 seconds slower than Kajetanowicz.
SS4, Kedong 1
Gus Greensmith ended the morning loop with yet another stage win. As Greensmith posted a time 59.3 seconds faster than Charles Munster to win the stage. Diego Dominquez rounded out the top three on the stage, finishing 1.8 seconds slower than Munster.
SS5, Loldia 2
Oliver Solberg kicked off the afternoon loop with a stage win. As the Swede posted a time 2.6 seconds faster than Gus Greensmith to take his first stage win of the weekend. Kajetan Kajetanowicz finished third fastest on the stage, 12.5 seconds slower than Greensmith.
SS6, Geothermal 2
Gus Greensmith was back to his winning ways on the sixth stage of Safari Rally Kenya. As the class leader set a time 5 seconds faster than Oliver Solberg to win the stage. Niclas Ciamin rounded out the top three on the stage, finishing 11.4 seconds slower than Solberg.
SS7, Kedong 2
Oliver Solberg capped off the second day with a stage win. Solberg set a time 13.7 seconds faster than Gus Greensmith to win his second stage of the weekend. Kajetan Kajetanowicz finished third on the stage, 18.2 seconds slower than Greensmith.
What To Expect From Safari Rally Kenya Day Three
The penultimate day of Safari Rally Kenya is expected to be a fun one. As drivers will contest 160.96 km across 6 stages. Gus Greensmith may head into the day three minutes and 23 seconds ahead of Kajetan Kajetanowicz, however, that doesn’t mean anything in Kenya. As the Kenyan wilderness is extraordinarily unforgiving. Tomorrow will feature the most feared stage of the event, Sleeping Warrior. This 36.08 km test will push drivers to the absolute limit. Oliver Solberg sits third overall, 14.5 seconds behind Kajetanowicz and three minutes and 37.5 seconds behind Greensmith.
The second day of Safari Rally Kenya has come to an end. Kalle Rovanperä took the event lead after the day.
SS2, Loldia 1
Reigning World Champion Kalle Rovanperä kicked off the second day with a stage win. As the Fin posted a time 0.9 seconds faster than Esapekka Lappi to top the stage. Ott Tänak finished third fastest on the stage, 1.2 seconds slower than Lappi. Thierry Neuville was fourth fastest on the stage, 0.5 seconds slower than Tänak. Takamoto Katsuta rounded out the top five on the days opening stage, finishing 7.3 seconds slower than Neuville.
SS3, Geothermal 1
Kalle Rovanperä also took the stage win on the third stage of Safari Rally Kenya. With Rovanperä setting a benchmark time 1.4 seconds faster than Esapekka Lappi on the stage. Ott Tänak finished third fastest, 2.9 seconds slower than Lappi. Takamoto Katsuta set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 0.5 seconds slower than Tänak. Elfyn Evans rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 5.9 seconds slower than Katsuta.
SS4, Kedong 1
Kalle Rovanperä also took the stage win on the fourth stage of the weekend to sweep the second days morning loop. Rovanperä posted a time 11.1 seconds faster than Ott Tänak to win his third stage of the weekend. Esapekka Lappi finished third fastest, 1.4 seconds slower than Tänak. Elfyn Evans was fourth fastest on the stage, 7.2 seconds slower than Lappi. Thierry Neuville rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 6.6 seconds slower than Evans.
SS5, Loldia 2
Kalle Rovanperä continued his dominance into the afternoon loop. As Rovanperä set a set 0.6 seconds faster than Elfyn Evans and Takamoto Katsuta who tied for second on the stage. Ott Tänak was fourth fastest on the stage, 1.2 seconds slower than Evans and Katsuta. Adrien Fourmaux rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 0.8 seconds slower than Tänak.
SS6, Geothermal 2
If you guess Kalle Rovanperä took the stage win on the penultimate stage of Safari Rally Kenya day two, you’d be correct. As the 2022 event winner posted a time 4.5 seconds faster than Takamoto Katsuta to top the stage. Elfyn Evans finished third fastest on the stage, 3 seconds slower than Katsuta. Grégoire Munster posted the fourth fastest time on the stage, 2.2 seconds slower than Evans. Adrien Fourmaux rounded out the top five on the stage, 0.1 seconds slower than Munster.
SS7, Kedong 2
Kalle Rovanperä also took home the final stage win of the day to complete a sweep on the day. Rovanperä set a benchmark time 4.4 seconds faster than Thierry Neuville to win his sixth consecutive stage. Elfyn Evans finished third fastest on the stage, 1.3 seconds slower than Neuville. Takamoto Katsuta was fourth fastest on the stage, 8.7 seconds slower than Evans. Adrien Fourmaux rounded out the top five on the stage, 5.2 seconds slower than Katsuta.
Rovanperä Sweeps
Kalle Rovanperä won every stage on the second day of Safari Rally Kenya. The reigning World Champion was extraordinary all day long. Rovanperä ended the day with a 56.9 second lead over Elfyn Evans.
What To Expect From Safari Rally Kenya Day Three
The penultimate day of Safari Rally Kenya is expected to be a fun one. As drivers will contest 160.96 km across 6 stages. Kalle Rovanperä may head into the day nearly a minute ahead of Elfyn Evans, however that doesn’t mean anything in Kenya. As the Kenyan wilderness is extraordinarily unforgiving. Tomorrow will feature the most feared stage of the event, Sleeping Warrior. This 36.08 km test will push drivers to the absolute limit. Takamoto Katsuta sits third overall, 3.9 seconds behind Evans and a minute and 0.8 seconds behind Rovanperä. Thierry Neuville sits just outside a podium position. As the championship leader sits 6.5 seconds behind Katsuta.
The first day of Safari Rally Kenya has come to a close. Thierry Neuville and Gus Greensmith lead their classes.
Rally1 SS1, Kasanari
Championship leader Thierry Neuville kicked off the weekend with a stage win. As the Belgian posted a time 0.1 seconds faster than championship rival and teammate Ott Tänak. 2022 Safari Rally Kenya winner Kalle Rovanperä finished third fastest, 0.7 seconds slower than Tänak. Takamoto Katsuta was fourth fastest on the opening stage, 0.1 seconds slower than Rovanperä. Esapekka Lappi rounded out the top five on the stage, 0.6 seconds slower than Takamoto Katsuta.
WRC2 SS1, Kasanari
Gus Greensmith kicked off his season with a stage win. As the 2023 WRC2 championship runner-up posted a time 2.8 seconds faster than championship rival Oliver Solberg. Kajetan Kajetanowicz finished third fastest, 0.3 seconds slower than Solberg. Niclas Ciamin set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 3.9 seconds slower than Kajetanowicz. Diego Dominquez rounded out the top five on the opening stage, 2.6 seconds slower than Ciamin.
What To Expect From Safari Rally Kenya Day Two
As expected no drivers lost massive time on the opening SuperSpecial stage. Only 2.2 seconds separate the top seven in the Rally1 class heading into the first full day of action. In the WRC2 class, there was definitely some time left behind by a few drivers. As 3.1 seconds separated first from third in the class. Day two will see drivers contest 127.58 km across six stages. Thierry Neuville will be on road sweeping duty for the second day. Elfyn Evans will follow behind Neuville. Anything can happen throughout the day’s six stages. As the Kenyan wilderness is extremely unforgiving. Weather will play a huge factor in how the day goes. If it’s dry and dusty lingering dust could hamper some drivers as the stage progresses. If it’s wet and muddy some drivers could get stuck on the stages. Anything can happen and drivers have to prepare for everything.
The Safari Rally Kenya shakedown stage has come to an end. Kalle Rovanperä and Gus Greensmith top their classes.
Rally1 Shakedown
Kalle Rovanperä was in top shape on the shakedown stage. As the 2021 Safari Rally Kenya winner posted a time 0.2 seconds faster than championship leader Thierry Neuville. Rally Sweden winner Esapekka Lappi finished third, 0.1 seconds behind Neuville. Ott Tänak was fourth fastest on the shakedown stage, as the Estonian set a time 1.3 seconds slower than Lappi. Elfyn Evans rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 0.5 seconds slower than Tänak.
WRC2 Shakedown
Gus Greensmith was the fastest in the WRC2 class on the shakedown stage. With the 2023 WRC2 championship runner-up setting a time 1.2 seconds faster than championship rival Oliver Solberg. Kajetan Kajetanowicz who won the WRC2 class at the Safari Rally Kenya finished third fastest, 3 seconds slower than Solberg. WRC2 newcomer Diego Dominguez posted the fourth fastest time on the shakedown stage, 8.6 seconds slower than Kajetanowicz. Niclas Ciamin rounded out the top five, finishing 6.5 seconds slower than Dominquez.
What To Expect From Safari Rally Kenya Day One
The opening day of the third round isn’t much to talk about. As the day features only one SuperSpecial stage. The stage totals 4.84 km in distance. Fans will also be able to see drivers go head-to-head directly on the stage. As the Safari Rally Kenya SuperSpecial stage allows for two cars to run the track at once. There likely won’t be much time gained or lost in either class tomorrow. However, anything is possible and one spin on the SuperSpecial could be the difference between first and second at the end of the event. The drivers will look to get an early advantage on SSS1. Especially Thierry Neuville who is on road sweeping duty tomorrow.
The 2024 World Rally Championship season continues next weekend with the third round of the season, Safari Rally Kenya.
Championship Rundown
Oliver Solberg and Yohan Rossel are tied for the WRC2 championship lead heading into round three. Both Solberg and Rossel have only contested one point scoring round, with Rossel using his first in Monte-Carlo while Solberg used his in Sweden. Solberg will use a second point-scoring round this weekend and is expected to take the championship lead. Sami Pajari and Pepe López are tied for third in the championship. With both drivers sitting 7 points behind Rossel and Solberg. Fifth in the championship follows the same trend as first and third, as once again there is a tie for the position. With Nikolay Grayzin and Georg Linnamäe sitting 3 points behind López and Pajari. Pajari, López, Gryazin and Linnamäe are not contesting the Safari Rally this weekend.
First Of The Season
Gus Greensmith and Kajetan Kajetanowicz will both be making their season debuts this weekend. Kajetanowicz is the reigning class winner at the Safari Rally. On the other hand, Greensmith hasn’t contested the event in a WRC2 car. As Greensmith only contested the legendary event behind the wheel of a Puma Rally1 back in 2022. Both drivers are expected to battle Oliver Solberg for the event win. This weekend has a chance for Solberg, Greensmith and Kajetnowicz to cash in some quality championship points early. As there isn’t much competition in the WRC2 class this weekend. That won’t make it any easier for the drivers, however. As what the event lacks in driver competition it makes up for in the difficulty of the stages. To secure top points this weekend the drivers will have to fend off the unforgiving Kenyan wilderness.
Welcome To The WRC
Alongside returning drivers making their season debut there will be a fresh face in the mix with a familiar name. As Grégoire Munster’s younger brother Charles will be making his WRC2 debut this weekend. Munster has contested many events in France, Belgium and surrounding areas in the last few years. He has yet to claim an overall win at any event, however he has taken a few class wins at events. Nevertheless, the Safari Rally will be different than anything else Charles has contested before. It will be a tough event for the youngster.
What To Expect
The Safari Rally is known for being unforgiving. As weather conditions and as a result road conditions are ever-changing. Drivers will contest 19 stages over the four-day event. The event will kick off with one SuperSpecial stage on Thursday, which totals to 4.84 km. The second day is where the action really begins. As drivers will contest 125.82 km across 6 stages. Day three will see 150.88 km of stages across another 6 stages. To cap off the third event of the season drivers will contest 74.38 km across 6 stages on the fourth day.
The 2024 World Rally Championship season continues next weekend with round three, Safari Rally Kenya.
Championship Rundown
Thierry Neuville holds the championship lead heading into Safari Rally Kenya. Neuville now holds a three-point lead over Elfyn Evans. Adrien Fourmaux sits third in the championship after a strong first two events of the season. Fourmaux sits 16 points behind Evans. Sebastien Ogier moves down to fourth in the championship after Rally Sweden. This isn’t a surprise as the 8-time World Rally Champion didn’t contest Rally Sweden last month and will once again be absent in Kenya. Ogier sits five points behind fellow countryman Fourmaux. Ott Tänak rounds out the top five in the championship, with the Estonian sitting just three points behind Ogier.
Team Rundowns
Hyundai Shell Mobis WRT
Hyundai is having arguably their best season since they returned to the WRC in 2013. As the Korean manufacturer is two-for-two to start the season off. As Thierry Neuville took the win in Monte-Carlo and Esapekka Lappi in Sweden. The team likely won’t win Safari Rally Kenya however. As the team’s best result was third back in 2021. Thierry Neuville, Ott Tänak and Esapekka Lappi will look to improve on that result this year. However, they will have to fend off a trio of Toyota drivers.
Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT
Toyota has won every edition of Safari Rally Kenya since the event returned in 2021. Sebastien Ogier has won the event twice, while Kalle Rovanperä has won it once. Ogier won’t be attending this weekend as previously mentioned. Toyota has swept the podium the last two times at the event. The team will look to lock out the podium once again this year. It’ll be a tough task for Kalle Rovanperä, Elfyn Evans and Takamoto Katsuta, who will have no safety net driver like they’ve had the last two years. Luckily for them, they drive the most reliable car in the championship. It’s also a car that hasn’t had many issues in Kenya.
M-Sport Ford WRT
M-Sport heads into Safari Kenya with two strong events under their belts. As Adrien Fourmaux has shocked many to start the season. As the Frenchman sits third in the championship heading into round three. While Grégoire Munster had a good showing in Monte-Carlo until his car got stuck. Munster had a worse showing in Sweden. Fourmuax is expected to drop off a little at the season’s toughest event. However, as previously mentioned, Fourmaux has done nothing but smash expectations this season.
What To Expect
The Safari Rally is known for being unforgiving. As weather conditions and as a result road conditions are ever-changing. Drivers will contest 19 stages over the four-day event. The event will kick off with one SuperSpecial stage on Thursday, which totals to 4.84 km. The second day is where the action really begins. As drivers will contest 125.82 km across 6 stages. Day three will see 150.88 km of stages across another 6 stages. To cap off the third event of the season drivers will contest 74.38 km across 6 stages on the fourth day.
Earlier this month it was announced the Rally Islas Canarias will join the WRC in 2025 and 2026.
A New Event In A Familiar Place
The Rally Islas Canarias may be new to the WRC, however the country in which the event takes place is no stranger to the championship. As Spain has a rich history in the WRC. Spain has previously hosted a World Rally Championship round on multiple occasions. Rally De Catalunya has previously been Spain’s entry into the championship. With the event being a part of the championship 30 times in the WRC’s 50-some-year history. Spain was last featured as an event in 2022. Sebastien Ogier took home the win at the event.
Rally Islas Canarias History
The Rally Islas Canarias was first run in 1977 as a full tarmac event. Medardo Pérez took home the win in the first two runnings of the event. Names such as Gilles Panizzi, Didier Auriol, Piero Liatti, Adrien Fourmaux and Carlos Sainz have taken home the win at the event. The most recent winner is Yoann Bonato in 2023. The event has been a staple on the European Championship calendar since 2013 when it rejoined the calendar after a stint in the International Rally Challenge.
What To Expect From The Event?
The Rally Islas Canarias will give drivers a somewhat unique tarmac rally experience. The event will also give drivers some exquisite views throughout the event. However, they can’t get caught up in the scenery for too long as cliffs and various other obstacles line the sides of the stages.
When Could The Rally Islas Canarias Run?
No set date has been announced for the new event. As the event still has to be approved by the FIA for the 2025 WRC calendar. However, the event runs from May 2nd through 4th this year. This puts the event between the times the Croatia Rally and Rally Vodafone De Portugal run this season.
The Croatia Rally doesn’t have a known contract for the 2025 season at this point in time, however, they are in discussions at this time. However, with the addition of Rally Islas Canarias, the Croatia Rally may be without a spot next year and in 2026. As the Rally Islas Canarias is expected to once again run sometime between the middle of April and the second week of May next year. There is also a chance the event could move to the timeframe the Central European Rally runs in. As the CER also doesn’t have a known contract for next season.
Earlier this week the Safari Rally Kenya entry list was released among the entrants was Gus Greensmith.
Season Debut
Gus Greensmith will make his first appearance of the 2024 World Rally Championship season at the calendar’s toughest event, Safari Rally Kenya. Greensmith is no stranger to the event. As he has previously contested the event two times at the sports top level. In 2021 Greensmith finished fourth at the event, a minute and 54.6 seconds behind Ott Tänak who finished third. The 27-year-old Brit is a favourite to win the championship this season. However, Greensmith will have to overcome multiple equally strong drivers over the course of the season. Including his teammates Oliver Solberg and Pierre-Louis Loubet. The battle for the championship is expected to be tight once again this season. As last year’s championship had 30 points separating first and third. Plus Andreas Mikkelsen has moved back up to the sports top level. Ensuring this season will see a new champion crowned.
Hunting For The Championship
Last season the WRC2 title barely got away from Greensmith. As he finished second in the championship, 23 points behind Andreas Mikkelsen. Greensmith will look to take home the championship this season. Kenya should be an easy place to grab some good points. As the only other championship competition at the event will be Oliver Solberg and last year’s class winner Kajetan Kajetanowciz. If Greensmith finishes the event he should be able to take home a podium finish. The difficult part will be finishing the event. As Kenya is known for being extremely difficult and rough on the cars. It’s a gamble but it’s a strategic gamble. Greensmith realizes there are good points on the table and he’s taking a chance at them. How this gamble will work for Greensmith will be determined after the event has finished.
Earlier this week it was announced that reigning champion Kalle Rovanperä will contest Safari Rally Kenya next month.
Second Event Of The Season
Kalle Rovanperä is only doing a partial campaign in 2024. As the reigning champion is taking the year to explore other motorsport disciplines and to take time off. Safari Rally Kenya will be Rovanperä’s second event of the season. Statistically, Rovanperä has done well at the calendar’s most challenging event. As the two-time champion has won the event once back in 2022 and finished second last season. Rovanperä is expected to be one of the front runners yet again this season.
A Bit Unexpected
Kalle Rovanperä wasn’t expected to contest Safari Rally Kenya. As Sebastien Ogier was expected to after winning the event last season. Nevertheless, Rovanperä is a welcomed addition to the event. This will likely open the door for Ogier to contest Croatia in April and then one of Rally Italia Sardegna or Vodafone Rally De Portugal in a few months. Both Ogier and Rovanperä are strong at the event. As Toyota will be looking to lock out the podium once again this season. As they’ve done so the last two runnings of the event. Hyundai will try their hardest to stop this. At this time it’s unknown who will fill the third seat for Hyundai at the event. It’s expected to be Rally Sweden winner Esapekka Lappi, however, the team has yet to confirm.
No 1-2-3-4 This Year
Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT has nearly locked out the top five at Safari Rally Kenya for the past two seasons. This season it will be impossible for them to do so. As they will only be running three cars, hence they can’t have a 1-2-3-4 finish. Nevertheless, the team is expected to pull out almost all the stops to claim a podium lockout again this season.
Rally Sweden saw two very rare feats achieved in the WRC2 class. Find out what they were below.
WRC2 Car Top Three Overnight
Oliver Solberg achieved something that has only been seen a handful of times in the WRC. That achievement was ending a day top three overall in a Rally2 car. The last driver to do this was somebody Oliver knows very well. As well, the last driver to do so was Oliver’s father, Petter Solberg. Petter ended the first day of Rally Wales GB 2019 third overall, 1.2 seconds behind Thierry Neuville. Petter was piloting a Volkswagen Polo R5 at the event. Four years and some months later Oliver stuck his Skoda Fabia Rally2 in the top three to end a day. As Oliver ended the second day of Rally Sweden 2024 third overall, a minute and 17.5 seconds behind Takamoto Katsuta.
A Rally2 Car Wins A Stage Outright
Georg Linnamäe kicked off his WRC2 season at Rally Sweden. The Estonian decided to kick it off with a bit of a bang. As Linnamäe took home the outright stage win on SS5. Linnamäe set a time 2.4 seconds faster than Oliver Solberg to top the first stage of his career. Oddly enough there is another feat accomplished by this stage win. As Linnamäe’s stage win on SS5 happened to be the first stage won by a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 in the WRC2 class. The last WRC2 driver to top a stage outright was Josh McErlean on the 16th stage of Rally Portugal 2022. Sure this was a SuperSpecial stage. However, the top Rally1 car finished 13th overall, only 0.3 seconds faster than a WRC3 car. The last full stage won by a WRC2 car was the 2020 running of the Monza Rally. Where Umberto Scandola won SS11 by posting a time 12.2 seconds faster than Sebastien Ogier.