[WRC] Safari Rally Kenya 2026

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HBC3fQuXsAAbWzj?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HBC3fQzXwAAmFIC?format=jpg&name=large

[240RS]

Seb Ogier's inclusion makes a Toyota 1-2-3-4-5 appear a real probability, not just a possibility. With the kind of pace shown by Toyota on the opening rounds this year, I could as well place my pickems now.

Just as well Esapekka Lappi will drive the third Hyundai. He has gone well previously on the Safari; even if the end results don't reveal much. Gus Greensmith must be the overwhelming favourite in Rally2, though Robert Virves will be interesting to watch on his maiden trip to Kenya.

[TypeR]

Wow, Mikkelsen entered with skoda

[240RS]

Wow, Mikkelsen entered with skoda

Yap! First Safari appearance for him, too. And I hadn't realised Greensmith is in a Yaris. Surprise there.

[Dimitris]

My Route Preview for Safari:

https://www.powerslideblog.com/wrc-stage-previews/2026/safari-rally-kenya-2026-stage-preview

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Wow, Mikkelsen entered with skoda

Why the 'Wow' ?

[deephouse]

I don't get it either. He was/is one their best drivers, have so much success with their cars and it's the place he should be. He feels comfortable in Skoda.

[TypeR]

Because it was wow.
Last ,,big'' rally was 2024 Japan with Hyundai wrc and and 2023 Japan with Skoda..
And now they bring him in to fight against Toyotas..

[240RS]

The route for the event is pretty compact. Good thing they have removed the excessively difficult fesh-fesh sections.

But I'm sad to see the head-to-head Kasarani stage go. It was always a good watch.

[Rallyper]

Not much happening on this topic, right now. Guess it starts running better day by day.

Any news fråm Kenya, guys? Wasn´t it heavy rain the other day?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Safari PET in Kenya with Gus Greensmith. Other shots of Rally1 Toyota's I'm not sure are real ...

https://youtu.be/L2LdnAxuno0?si=7AC7mf5vDybBwaN0

[240RS]

Not much happening on this topic, right now. Guess it starts running better day by day.

Any news fråm Kenya, guys? Wasn´t it heavy rain the other day?


McKlein Photography reporting very high probability of a wet Safari.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DZJmgPRvz/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Current conditions and more rain forecast soon...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HDC0QmIXMAAbrV9?format=jpg&name=small

[spyros]

Thats good for the frontrunners, isnt it?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HDEdFOmXgAAq5HG?format=jpg&name=small

Looks like it's going to be tough for everyone.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Recce interviews:

https://youtu.be/gmdpuc2BKOU?si=AxeWDGL_trpZbqmW

[wwbroe]

Good morning, shakedown is live

[wwbroe]

Fourmaux and Evans setting the pace sofar

[rallyfiend]

Nice tribute Skoda's Pavel Hortek on all the cars.

[wwbroe]

Nobody beats the time of Fourmaux and Evans

[wwbroe]

WRC2 front runners pretty close in times

[wwbroe]

Dominguez setting fastest time in Rally 2

[wwbroe]

Now Lappi best time in his second run

[spyros]

now Oliver in front, but this rally its not about speed.

[wwbroe]

now Oliver in front, but this rally its not about speed.
That is correct, it is all about survival

[240RS]

There has already been a lot of talk about the weather, but it does appear like the roads dry up fast.

Early morning stage might actually be very fast. Big question every afternoon will be how far can you get before the rain hits. Road position may actually be a key factor here. Those running upfront will likely have a huge advantage at some point.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

WRC tyre supplier Hankook has developed a new soft compound gravel tyre known as the Dynapro R213, which will make its debut on the brutal gravel stages in Kenya this week.

Its introduction comes following criticism from WRC drivers regarding the performance and reliability of the tyres particularly in rough gravel events.

https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/hankook-introduces-new-wrc-tyre-at-safari-rally-kenya/10804114/

[wwbroe]

First "real" stage is now live, Evans has started

[Lead]

This seems like national geographic channel not rally tv. Please show cars.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

This seems like national geographic channel not rally tv. Please show cars.

Losing the car pictures so showing heli shots.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Fourmaux & Neuville slow on splits

[CeskyOndra]

That's proper mud bath, probably huge rain on the start

[TypeR]

Mega time differences from the beginning, but awesome wrc+ not showing anything.. 3 nature shots on loop.. swamp, elephants and ryhnos, swamp, elephants and rhynos..

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Solberg going for it already !

[Lead]

I think we will see more wildlife than rallying this weekend.

[Rallyper]

Solberg going for it already !

Never. Surviving until sunday PS finish is far away.

[COD]

Great coverage

[EstWRC]

This seems like national geographic channel not rally tv. Please show cars.

Such a facepalm this series.

Every other sport is capable of showing the picture but this series not

[COD]

Solberg going for it already !

Will his luck remain for third event in a row?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

They said there's a storm affecting the pictures.

[TypeR]

Not even showing picture from start.. total bs broadcast.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Stop moaning its the weather conditions.

[240RS]

Toyota already galloping along. Seb Ogier, though, will be ruing his low start order.

[wwbroe]

Toyota already galloping along. Seb Ogier, though, will be ruing his low start order.
Seems like he won't be that bad

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Watch for free on Pluto TV.

[EstWRC]

I can’t believe I’m saying this but I’m so happy Ott decided to skip this year

Like really really really happy

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Fourmaux just careful after a scare.

[EstWRC]

Really really nice driving from Ogier in the final section. Beautiful to watch

[TypeR]

Nothing working and timeloss is massive.. but Neuville so happy :D Hyundai gave a cheque for being a bit more positive? :D

[Rallyper]

In some way I remember Oliver as 16-17 yrs old, doing RX with Petters 600 hp Citroen in quite same conditions and he was superior over other competitors. He really has experience from these conditions.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Armstrong a minute faster than McErlean already.

[TypeR]

Armstrong much stronger than McErlean again..
Must be the experience from good rally2 drives vs jumping straight to big car

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Pictures ok now the worst of the storm has passed.

[wwbroe]

Zaldivar fastest time in Rally 2

[Rallyper]

SS2 not on scedule...

[wwbroe]

SS2 not on scedule...
Why not, started on time

[TypeR]

Fourmaux technical problems.. slowly coming after 2nd split

[Fast Eddie WRC]

First Hyundai with problems.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Neuville lost time too and took off from the stage end ...

[B group]

and second also....Hyndai.....:confused:
Overheat....

[Rallyper]

Why not, started on time

Bulletin 2 says 17.23 starting time. That´s the one I have on my wall...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Now Lappi overheating too !

[Eli]

that Hyundai is showing some 307 wrc level of reliability….

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Shame for McErlean, he was going better on SS2.

[COD]

Oh Hyundai, wtf? Mud clogging cooling?

[TypeR]

Hyundais high water temp
McErlean high water temp
Gus high water temp

[240RS]

Oh Hyundai, wtf? Mud clogging cooling?

This is the most likely cause.

The cars may be scooping mud and clogging the radiators.

[denkimi]

can we just get toyota to field another 5 cars and get rid of hyundai and msport?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

This is the most likely cause.

The cars may be scooping mud and clogging the radiators.

Hyundai say they tested in these conditions and didn't have a problem. Now they're looking for a solution before heading back into muddy Camp Moran in the morning. If they dont find something it could be game over pretty quickly tomorrow.

[SubaruNorway]

Hyundai is running a splitter, Toyota don't

[rage82]

No live. Anybody knows why the stage is not running?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[B group]

stage canceled

[rage82]

Ok apparently the stage is cancelled. Nice surprise when you woke up early in the morning:)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[TypeR]

Hyundai used their joker to cancel ss3 :D


Sad tho, proper Kenya stage and cancelled

[EstWRC]

Nice surprise when you woke up early in the morning:)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

But nice to see that someone still cares about this sport!

[wwbroe]

What was the reason for cancellation?

[TypeR]

What was the reason for cancellation?
SS3 Camp Moran 2 has been cancelled due to deteriorating road conditions.

[wwbroe]

Temperature alert for Josh

[Eli]

Lappi is one of my favourite drivers and yet I feel Paddon could’ve been a better choice, and if Hyundai were actually serious about this year, they would field 4 cars in their line-up for each event, I’m sorry but this doesn’t cut it. Like EstWRC said, I’m also really glad Ott doesn’t have to manhandle this piece of junk throughout 14 events.

[Rallyper]

Sweaping effects also?

[wwbroe]

Stage 5 is completely other character, wider rtoads and much higher average speed

[Rallyper]

1st split Oliver lost 1,2 sec. It was clearly in first right corner, where Evans was way out of line but in full speed, while Oliver took corner with lower gear...

[EstWRC]

What a life Lappi is having, just came to have fun and cruise at rallies this year

Oh man this series is so dead and this forum also shows it with no one commenting anymore

[Franky]

What a life Lappi is having, just came to have fun and cruise at rallies this year

Oh man this series is so dead and this forum also shows it with no one commenting anymore

Well, it just isn't so interesting and slowly people focus on other things. After all, following a rally is a 10+ hour activity over the weekend.

[Rallyper]

What a life Lappi is having, just came to have fun and cruise at rallies this year

Oh man this series is so dead and this forum also shows it with no one commenting anymore

I´m no one? ;)

Well, it´s not a specially interesting rally either. So don´t have to wide conclusions from this day or rally.

[EstWRC]

Oh Per it’s not based on this rally

This has been happening the last couple of years

[denkimi]

What a life Lappi is having, just came to have fun and cruise at rallies this year

Oh man this series is so dead and this forum also shows it with no one commenting anymore
Not much to say. Road position and car quality are the biggest factors.

The only exciting thing for the moment is ogier chasing evans and rovanpera, and waiting to see who will have problems.

[Rallyper]

Not much to say. Road position and car quality are the biggest factors.

The only exciting thing for the moment is ogier chasing evans and rovanpera, and waiting to see who will have problems.

Rovanpera?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Oh Per it’s not based on this rally

This has been happening the last couple of years

Maybe people are just watching the rally and getting all their info on Rally TV. Plus there's a lot from Dirtfish and social media that you dont need to ask or discuss so much.

And on this rally the positions, especially by team, were set on Thursday and wont change. Just a battle of the Toyota's here as in the past at Safari.

[Rallyper]

Oh Per it’s not based on this rally

This has been happening the last couple of years

Me myself am also on Discord. Lot of quota, but no structure. Just a rant. However I think both forums completes each other.

[TWRC]

Hyundai seems well and truly lost. Which is quite sad for their status and that size of a team. And they have 2 tarmac rounds coming up, one of which they were already dire last year...

[TypeR]

Taka double front puncture.. first front right and half front end gone and then front left puncture also


Ogier 10.3 faster than Evans and passed him to 2nd O/A now

[TypeR]

Josh front left puncture, didn't change and seems like broke a lot.. oil splash under the car after finish

E: damaged gearbox and retires

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Impressive from Ogier, taking full advantage of his road position.

Shame for Taka and Josh, some never get any luck.

Hyundai's are a bit better on the dry grippy roads.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Puncture for Solberg !?

[TypeR]

Solberg rear right puncture..
Could hard tyres have taken the second loop rough conditions better?

[Jewy46]

Looks like it will be a battle of the Championship contenders for the win.

Shame for Josh, but Jon continues to impress.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

+23.6s lost

5.7s gap now to Evans.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Stage win coming for Hyundai ? Nah pipped by Ogier by 0.1s !

1.0s gap now to Solberg.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ahhh nooo Armstrong now with a flat :(

[spyros]

The problem is that kids aren't into rallying anymore and the manufacturers, with all these changes and electric propulsion, have allocated enormous resources and aren't investing as much in racing.

[spyros]

sorry double post.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Lappi had to wait for giraffe's !

[TypeR]

If you want to find weaknesses in car, let Gus drive it :D
Lasting gearbox issues for him..

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Nice time by Solberg 8.5s up on Evans !

But Ogier nearly matched him... 1.0s gap overnight.

[denkimi]

weren't they supposed to have metal wheel arches this year? To prevent everything else breaking when they drive on a flat tyre?

[Rallyper]

Just coming in an missed last three stages.

Oliver has done well, despite one puncture and 2nd on the road. Will probably pay off tomorrow.

[WRCStan]

Oh man this series is so dead and this forum also shows it with no one commenting anymore

Nobody can register or recover passwords and it takes 40 minutes to load each page so users will leave, it's in terminal decline. Discord is good for chat but not good to follow a topic IMO so I'm hoping Eddie will launch a new updated and maintained forum ;).

The series has been on life support for several years. 2027 can't come soon enough but I'm confident it's the right direction.

As for this rally, I was at work yesterday and today. I quickly check the standings and have no desire to catch up. Have no comment to make! Will watch some tomorrow.

[skarderud]

Hard to load pages +work make the priority.

Sent fra min SM-S901B via Tapatalk

["Username"]

Just because someone doesn't write here anything, doesn't mean they are not watching the rally. I read different forums but hardly post anything.

[deephouse]

Well nothing much different as first two events. Toyota battling themselves. Hyundai again completely nowhere. This year I think everyone lost motivation, and probably will much more fans leave as things will not be exciting anymore. As someone said also 10+ hours a day to watch all this is too much for hard core fans. And if those doesn't bother anymore who will. I don't know what could be done about this, but maybe the step back could be a solution? I don't know. Cancel all live and bring back roadside cameras, few stages completely staged and radio back?

Also I think Hankook tyres does proves event by event, that it's complete disaster. I thought Pirellis was bad, but this is total garbage. Please someone tell me, why they made new rubber even softer if there was complains about punctures. Isn't soft more prone to puncture?

Pajari this year is flying. Like completely new person. I think he could be in a mix for podium at the end of the year and more or less for a win at least one event.

[becher]

Also I think Hankook tyres does proves event by event, that it's complete disaster. I thought Pirellis was bad, but this is total garbage. Please someone tell me, why they made new rubber even softer if there was complains about punctures. Isn't soft more prone to puncture?



A softer compound doesn't necessarily translate to being more fragile.

[deephouse]

A softer compound doesn't necessarily translate to being more fragile.

And yet they exploded like crazy

[jonkka]

Like now for Ogier...

[TypeR]

Good reaction from Solberg after asking about Evans's time :D
Whaat?! Only 3 seconds faster with that attack.. pfff :D

Unlucky Seb witha rock in the driving line and couldn't avoid it.. nothing about Hankook

[trykmann]

Good reaction from Solberg after asking about Evans's time :D
Whaat?! Only 3 seconds faster with that attack.. pfff :D

Unlucky Seb witha rock in the driving line and couldn't avoid it.. nothing about Hankook

It was a good reality check for Solberg about the level in rally1 :D

[becher]

That was like a handgrande.

[Eli]

I know there’s still this year and ‘27 togo but surely Hankook shouldn’t stay beyond, I’m sorry, I hope Pirelli for crying out loud if not Michelin come back.

[jonkka]

Flailing rubber made short work of the bodywork. Interesting to see that live and quite supreme failure from Hankook.

[Eli]

I said this before and I’ll say it again, seeing these rally cars covered in mud, makes me miss Wales Rally GB immensely.

[Corcaíoch]

Muddy section they showed Thierry in is a real struggle, hope they show all cars there

[TypeR]

I doubt there will be second loop for this stage.. unfortunately
Happy for photographers, who have gone there and get mega shots

Evans broken rear right suspension

[TypeR]

should have stopped and tried to repair it.. but now it is completely off

[CeskyOndra]

i said this before and i’ll say it again, seeing these rally cars covered in mud, makes me miss wales rally gb immensely.

what a drama

[CeskyOndra]

evans out..

[TypeR]

Fourmaux has steam-machine

Rally2 podium possible? :D

[Eli]

Hynudead…..I wonder how the Polo would fare in here.

[denkimi]

not a good look for hankook. it seems they can't make tyres that are suitable for rough rallies.

[TypeR]

Ogier taking quite a lot of time back from Solberg.. nothing lost for Ogier yet

[trykmann]

Stage stopped after Rally1?

[CeskyOndra]

Solberg will loose massively here, Hyundai retiring after stage end or will they do it?

[TypeR]

Solberg going 170+kph basically blindfolded.. omg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ogier and Solberg retired !!

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HDXL9FNXMAAZHSP?format=jpg&name=large

[Fast Eddie WRC]

@TGR_WRC
The demanding rough and muddy conditions this morning have really taken their toll.

Unfortunately two more of our cars have to retire for today on the road section after SS13: #99 with transmission and alternator issues and #1 with an alternator issue.

[WRCStan]

Wtf?

[jonkka]

So... Katsuta leads with a minute in hand over Neuville?

[Morte66]

Wtf?

I wasn't following this rally and just popped in for a look at the forum. Seems I picked my moment...

[WRCStan]

Anybody else a little sceptical of this?

[Morte66]

Anybody else a little sceptical of this?

I'm waiting for a second source to confirm it.

[Corcaíoch]

wrc.com reporting it now too. Crazy rally!!
https://www.wrc.com/en/news/solberg-and-ogier-retire-on-road-section-katsuta-inherits-safari-lead

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Autosport's @TommyHoward

Wow! Yet more drama!

Toyota’s Takamoto Katsuta has moved into the Safari Rally Kenya lead after Oliver Solberg and Sebastien Ogier were forced to stop on the road section coming back to service.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Hyundai could still take the win here, what a turn of events !

[Morte66]

Neither Pajari nor Katsuta are entered for Toyota main team manufacturer points. Pajari might build a useful lead here in the 2026 battle between TGR2 and M-Sport.

[Humber]

I don't think the Rally1 cars were designed for Rally Raid/ Cross Country conditions. Would be interesting see the stage times of a Dakar Hilux in the mud.

[Morte66]

I don't think the Rally1 cars were designed for Rally Raid/ Cross Country conditions. Would be interesting see the stage times of a Dakar Hilux in the mud.

Yes, I'd be very curious to see that.

[WRCStan]

Neither Pajari nor Katsuta are entered for Toyota main team manufacturer points.

Damn! When I said was sceptical I was thinking FIX!, but I don't think so now.

Who's sticking a € on Taka?

[COD]

Finally a proper safari, not just high speed through savanna. Don’t like the fact that stages get cancelled because of conditions (safety reasons are different) , this is rallying, not racing.

[CeskyOndra]

Let's see if Warrior 2 is cancelled or not

[Rallyper]

If Rally2 cars take overall points, isn´t it unfair, because they had advantage not running SS13? If - and a big if - no car had run Sleeping warrior we´ve had those top three still in the rally...

[TypeR]

SLEEPING WARRIOR 2
SS 16 is shortened by 4.52 km from the start. New start is 50 m after box 6 on page 271 in Road
Book 2. Target time for TC16 remains unchanged.

[BleAivano]

Finally a proper safari, not just high speed through savanna. Don’t like the fact that stages get cancelled because of conditions (safety reasons are different) , this is rallying, not racing.

Big disagree, when conditions looks like as such that even an articular hauler would get into trouble them it's not rallying.

[WRCStan]

If you get an option to leave or cancel, it usually means you've already posted so hit leave to avoid double post.

[COD]

If Rally2 cars take overall points, isn´t it unfair, because they had advantage not running SS13? If - and a big if - no car had run Sleeping warrior we´ve had those top three still in the rally...

This too, but should not have cancelled for rally2 cars in the first place

[WRCStan]

If Rally2 cars take overall points, isn´t it unfair, because they had advantage not running SS13? If - and a big if - no car had run Sleeping warrior we´ve had those top three still in the rally...

Let's be honest this won't affect the championship, only Toyota's winning of every podium place this season.

[COD]

Big disagree, when conditions looks like as such that even an articular hauler would get into trouble them it's not rallying.

Safari baby, have a look at pictures from 90’s and earlier. If rain comes it is a mudbath

[focus206]

That was a plot twist, Ogier and Solberg's alternators died on their way back to service?
Huge chance for Taka, Fourmaux or maybe even Pajari to get their first win.

[EstWRC]

So Wheatley was serious after all about winning both championships

[BleAivano]

Safari baby, have a look at pictures from 90’s and earlier. If rain comes it is a mudbath

so? Off road events are still not rallying,

[focus206]

Evans can consider himself very lucky that his 2 main competitors had to retire for no fault of their own. Was it said what caused the broken suspension?

[Rallyper]

Let's be honest this won't affect the championship, only Toyota's winning of every podium place this season.

My quote has nothing to do with championship. Just rules handling...

[TypeR]

SS13 allocated time for wrc2 crews 14.00.00

Ogier winning time was 11.32.3

[CeskyOndra]

Its already raining

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Only by some miracles the Hyundai's survived and got back to service. It's still a massive challenge for them to continue let alone win or podium.

[CeskyOndra]

Will be tough for Hyundai despite the fact that we are going to have more rain

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Those clouds look ominous.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Armstrong's co-driver is getting hammered by the bumps !

And puncture now :(

And water pressure alert... what a nighmare.

He started again after 20 mins ! :)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

2 Hyundai's through but Neuville stopped, puncture.

Was a double puncture and now a 3rd... game over. :(

[CeskyOndra]

I love hankooks. How is that even possible

[jonkka]

Soon whole field is empty.

[TypeR]

Must have been something else for Neuville the second time.. he could have cruised to the end with puncture, but stopped right away..

Poor Pajari, first driving in Neuville's dust and then Jon starts dusting him :D

[Corcaíoch]

Stage times almost irrelevant now, almost just a question of checking which drivers actually made it through the stage

[COD]

so? Off road events are still not rallying,

These events have been part of the championship since the 1960’s. They belong in the calendar. If you like motorsport in even conditions, same 15 kind of corners in different countries, racing is more for you

[COD]

Must have been something else for Neuville the second time.. he could have cruised to the end with puncture, but stopped right away..

Poor Pajari, first driving in Neuville's dust and then Jon starts dusting him :D

Even if he made it to finish, two more stages to go so no point

Pajari will prob get time back

[CeskyOndra]

Pajari will win

[trykmann]

Rallytv is showing this rally having total 19 stages. I understood there is total 20 stages?

[EstWRC]

I have said it previously and I say it again

This rally doesn’t have a place anymore in modern wrc. You can drive slow and trying to manage the car and situation but still it isn’t enough

Ridiculous

[jonkka]

Rallytv is showing this rally having total 19 stages. I understood there is total 20 stages?

There was 20 stages but running of SS3 (repeat of SS1) was cancelled and for some reason, stage has been removed from itinerary (as opposed to marked as cancelled). Stage number has been retained so there are stages SS1-2 and SS4-20.

[COD]

I have said it previously and I say it again

This rally doesn’t have a place anymore in modern wrc. You can drive slow and trying to manage the car and situation but still it isn’t enough

Ridiculous

Completly disagree, variation is what we need in the championship, not similar evets 14 times. F1 is for that

[deephouse]

This kind of rallies did run in the past, but the world changed, rally changed, audience changed, everything changed since then. Also a big part plays here this shitty tyres, as Ogier said. It's complete rubbish of tire. Each event after the event it's worse. We can expect Saudi to everyone retire on first stage because they will run out of supply or what? Until when they have contract in WRC? Man I wish they will consider cancel them soon. This is not exciting at all.

[EstWRC]

Completly disagree, variation is what we need in the championship, not similar evets 14 times. F1 is for that

So you want to say all 14 events look the same? lol

[Fast Eddie WRC]

These conditions have been extreme even for Safari, but it's still a cool event and a massive test of driver, car and team.

Just a shame to lose top cars with alternator issues but others made it so no excuses.

[COD]

Well at least the rally2 cars seem more reliable, maybe because they are not made of plastic? Some hope for next year

[PLuto]

This kind of rallies did run in the past, but the world changed, rally changed, audience changed, everything changed since then. Also a big part plays here this shitty tyres, as Ogier said. It's complete rubbish of tire. Each event after the event it's worse. We can expect Saudi to everyone retire on first stage because they will run out of supply or what? Until when they have contract in WRC? Man I wish they will consider cancel them soon. This is not exciting at all.

Dont worry, when Hankook will finish, MRF will step up...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Many issues and big time gaps are not new, even in the past with better team prep and Michelin/Pirelli tyres.

Check out last Safari Rally before it's comeback (2002) ...

https://ewrc-results.com/event/86-safari-rally/final-results

[PLuto]

SS 16 is cancelled...

The safety caravan assessed the stage and considered it challenging for the rescue vehicles to be able to operate between km 2.5 and 11. After the afternoon rains, there were four separate sections with deep water filled ruts.

[WRCStan]

So you want to say all 14 events look the same? lol

Well there is rally racing and there is the art of rally. If every event is [expected to be] 100% rally racing then all 14 events [will] look the same.

[TypeR]

So we have kenya rally and they have prepared stages, but will be cancelled because they haven't thought about how/if rescue or ambulance will get thru the stages..

Wonderful

[COD]

SS 16 is cancelled...

The safety caravan assessed the stage and considered it challenging for the rescue vehicles to be able to operate between km 2.5 and 11. After the afternoon rains, there were four separate sections with deep water filled ruts.

What a disaster

[TypeR]

14-15km more and wrc2 will have half points :D (50-74.99% of total SS km)
At first total SS km was 350.02

SS3 cancelled 24.50km
SS4/9 shortened by 6.09 (x2 = 12.18km)
SS13 cancelled for wrc2 18.41
SS16 cancelled for all 18.41

Wrc2 not driven 73.50km

[denkimi]

this kind of event could have a place on the calendar if the teams would be allowed to adapt their cars for it. but the whole homologation bullshit prevents them from doing so. so now we have cars that have to perform on all rallies, and must go slow to try and survive safari.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Well at least the rally2 cars seem more reliable, maybe because they are not made of plastic? Some hope for next year

And they're allowed more protection at the front which couldve saved the Rally1 Cars a lot of trouble.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Katsuta ahead of Fourmaux by 1mn25 and Pajari by 5m29.

If he doesnt win here will he be able to handle the disappointment...

[doubled1978]

this kind of event could have a place on the calendar if the teams would be allowed to adapt their cars for it. but the whole homologation bullshit prevents them from doing so. so now we have cars that have to perform on all rallies, and must go slow to try and survive safari.

The rally is really caught between two stools. It’s rough like the safari of old, but the stages are sprint stages so they have to go faster than they should to look after the car, that and the fact they aren’t allowed to build ‘safari’ cars, means for me that the cars aren’t suitable for the rally, and the rally isn’t suitable for the cars.

[Morte66]

And they're allowed more protection at the front which couldve saved the Rally1 Cars a lot of trouble.

Have the WRC2 cars had it a bit easier because stages were cancelled before they went through?

[denkimi]

The rally is really caught between two stools. It’s rough like the safari of old, but the stages are sprint stages so they have to go faster than they should to look after the car, that and the fact they aren’t allowed to build ‘safari’ cars, means for me that the cars aren’t suitable for the rally, and the rally isn’t suitable for the cars.
If they could just raise the cars, strenghten the suspension, put extra spare wheels in or on the cars and make something to protect the engine bay from mud, this could be a suitable rally. or just let them use tyre mousse again.

[WRCStan]

Just to put some things into perspective, I counted only 11 crews have not retired. People have also died in Kenya due to the recent extreme weather.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Neuville had only two punctures ...

"We had an impact on the front left at the start of the stage, then suffered a double puncture.

After changing the wheel and continuing, the driveshaft broke a few kilometres later causing further damage and forcing us to retire for today.."

[deephouse]

Did anyone have on pickems that rally2 will win this event, since it's a very high possibility it will happen

[Morte66]

I wonder who is going to be thinking about Sunday points, and who just wants to get the car home. I expect the weather will have something to do with it. Is there a forecast for tomorrow?

[TypeR]

I believe that Taka, Fourmaux and Lappi will bring the car just home..
Hyundai scoring 1-3 for manus and Neuville maybe try something extra for the team..
Top3 will be divided between Evans, Solberg and Ogier as they are fighting for the title..

[djip]

If they could just raise the cars, strenghten the suspension, put extra spare wheels in or on the cars and make something to protect the engine bay from mud, this could be a suitable rally. or just let them use tyre mousse again. An additional spare wheel (on the roof as it used to be ?) would be an easy fix to the puncture drama ... In a rally as the safari I don't think the disrupted aerodynamics woiuld matter much ...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The Toyota alternator failures were very unusual...

“I don’t know why it happened and we will sort it out later because everything was covered and sealed, all the work was done, but still it can happen,” said Kankkunen.

“It will be the same to Sami's car and Taka’s car, same normal service. Of course we will change the alternator for tomorrow in case, but normally you can drive the same alternator all year and nothing happens, but we will do it anyway.”

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Cool footage from DF of the crews working keepng the cars going...

https://youtu.be/li_YjSC2GbA?si=L_roDXa0mh18VhNO

[Steve Boyd]

make something to protect the engine bay from mudSo on this rally there are cars stopping because the mud is getting in. On the last rally we had cars stopping because the snow was getting in. I think that tells me it isn't the mud or the snow that's the problem - it's the design of the cars!

[Tanelv]

Would have been interesting to see how fully electric rally cars compete against the oldschool ones in these conditions. In theory EV-s should be more bulletproof in water and mud as there are less moving parts and they can be more easily sealed.

[TypeR]

Probably they would have sunk in the mud with their weight and drained battery.. after full throttle in the mud pits..

Overheated battery also?

[jonkka]

Overheated battery also?

Overheated, why?

[SubaruNorway]

Overheated, why?

Many things can cause that, like if the AC compressor goes, that cools the battery even during charging when it gets hot.
An EV battery shouldn't run much over 70c. Thermal runaway can start at 100c like it did with the Lancia RX car during charging

[jonkka]

But how does driving on mud differ from driving flat out on a straight? On both occasions all available power is drawn out from the battery which is designed from such point of view, as opposed to civilian EV which is designed for slow driving in mind and overtaxing battery is real possibility.

Things you listed are failures which can occur at any time, not related to mud at all. And overheating related to charging is related only to charging, not driving on mud.

[TypeR]

But how does driving on mud differ from driving flat out on a straight? On both occasions all available power is drawn out from the battery which is designed from such point of view, as opposed to civilian EV which is designed for slow driving in mind and overtaxing battery is real possibility.

Things you listed are failures which can occur at any time, not related to mud at all. And overheating related to charging is related only to charging, not driving on mud.
Flat out in Finland vs flat out drilling yoir way thru in mud.. I would say one is way harder for engine etc.. fuel consuption/battery consuption is also higher with worse terrain..
If even birdshit on roof decreases the range on EV then deep mud does it times more..

But okay, thankfully we don't have kitchen appliances in rally (yet).

Really hope for Takas win, how difficult path it has been for him.. must feel like wdc for him after all these years

[jonkka]

No shifting goal posts, please. Racing car battery does not overheat if cooling works properly even if battery delivers out maximum power for extended time, it is designed to cope with that (unlike civilian EV battery). All other considerations, EV range, drain on engine (combustion or electric) etc are beside that question which was the only one I addressed.

[linni]

Has Greensmith stopped?

[240RS]

Interesting to hear a bit of irritation in Seb Ogier's voice when informed of Oliver Solberg's time (4.4sec quicker).

How long before we get a full blown rivalry between the two!!! :)

[trykmann]

Has Greensmith stopped?

No, just problems with the splits.

[CeskyOndra]

PS prediction: Solberg Ogier Evans

[meh]

The last stage of the rally started, and my first comment to this thread :)

I wonder, do we get the lowest average of the pickems score ever?

[denkimi]

this rally shows again why anyone who is serious about the title needs more than 3 cars. even when all their main drivers retire, there are still toyota's left to take the win.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Tough rally for M-Sport and an expensive one with all the damage caused to the cars.

[meh]

this rally shows again why anyone who is serious about the title needs more than 3 cars. even when all their main drivers retire, there are still toyota's left to take the win.

Can you explain the logic?

Taka or Pajari do not collect points for the Toyota team, although they steal points from Hyundai.

[denkimi]

Can you explain the logic?

Taka or Pajari do not collect points for the Toyota team, although they steal points from Hyundai.

what is there to explain? toyota wins another rally and hyundai has less point than if toyota had only 3 cars.

marginal cost, big gains.

[CeskyOndra]

Ogier cant stand Oliver being faster

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Woah Oliver !!

[meh]

what is there to explain? toyota wins another rally and hyundai has less point than if toyota had only 3 cars.

marginal cost, big gains.

I recommend investigating how the team points are calculated.

[becher]

I recommend investigating how the team points are calculated.
OT but in a stupid manner considering we have eight works cars, of which five/six are competitive at each event. Unless we get 10 to 15 works cars this needs changing.

[becher]

Oh well there is going to be a secondary rain season now. Congratulations!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Congrats to Taka, Toyota and the Japanese rally fans ! :bounce:

[denkimi]

I recommend investigating how the team points are calculated.

you know toyota has 2 teams? the main team loses some points, but their second team takes them away from hyundai. katsuta was not nominated so he takes no points, but pajari does.

[TypeR]

You know you are a good and respected guy if everybody cheers for your victory, even all competitors.

Taka and Aaron, congratz

[meh]

Such a relief for Taka, such a win for Toyota and Japan for the marketing and stories, congratulations!

Really happy also for Virves for Rally2 win, with all the mess happening, 5th O/A.

[Humber]

Katsuta lived in Finland for 9 years, did some Finnish Sisu rub off on him?

Katsuta moved to Monaco in 2025. So technically a resident of Monaco (Monacan). Who was the last resident of Monaco to win a World Rally? Elena or Mikkelsen or someone else?

[denkimi]

Katsuta lived in Finland for 9 years, did some Finnish Sisu rub off on him?

Katsuta moved to Monaco in 2025. So technically a resident of Monaco (Monacan). Who was the last resident of Monaco to win a World Rally? Elena or Mikkelsen or someone else?
Neuville also lives in monaco.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Criticise if you must, but the rally created some brilliant stories and drama. Plus it finished with a win for Toyota, Manufacturers 1-2 for Hyundai and a new WRC winner in Katsuta. A lot for everyone to be happy about.

[WRCStan]

you know toyota has 2 teams? the main team loses some points, but their second team takes them away from hyundai. katsuta was not nominated so he takes no points, but pajari does.

But the 2nd team also takes points of the 1st team. More like big cost, marginal gain.

[doubled1978]

Great to see how everyone is genuinely pleased for him, I feared it may never happen.
Congratulations to Taka and Aaron…

[Morte66]

Well, I'm happy for Katsuta.

Championship goes: Evans, Solberg, Katsuta, Fourmaux, Pajari, Ogier, Neuville, Lappi.

So Evans is first on the tarmac at Croatia.

[CeskyOndra]

Is Ogier starting in Croatia?

[EstWRC]

Congrats to Tänak for two his students winning!

So happy for Taka, finally it happened and said also thanks to Tänak.

Impressive by Virves especially considering it was his first Kenya.

[Morte66]

Is Ogier starting in Croatia?

That does not seem to be fixed yet, as best I can tell. I can't see when the entry list is published.

Personally, I bet he will.

[trykmann]

Congrats to Tänak for two his students winning!

So happy for Taka, finally it happened and said also thanks to Tänak.

Impressive by Virves especially considering it was his first Kenya.

Virves did a very mature drive. Not pushing over the limit and zero problems. A very good start for his WRC2 season.

[wwbroe]

That does not seem to be fixed yet, as best I can tell. I can't see when the entry list is published.

Personally, I bet he will.

I think entry list will be published tomorrow or tuesday, so we will know pretty soon.

[meh]

Today, the rally win takes the deserved spotlight, but there is a bigger achievement we witnessed today for Taka.

Many have achieved a rally victory, but how many have achieved that everyone, including team principals for competing teams, are waiting for your win and are happy about it. That is a proper achievement as a human being.

[Rallyper]

Indeed. It´s hard to find anyone not liked Taka winning. My guess you wouldn´t find any person.

[skarderud]

Really cool he finally got a win!

Sent fra min SM-S901B via Tapatalk

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I'm happy for Taka winning too.

The only slight downside for him is he did so not winning a single stage (only Ostberg has done this before), and after the four big names all retired during Saturday.

[TypeR]

Virves also won wrc2 without any stage win.

2012 Portugal - Ostberg was 2nd, but Hirvonen was dsq after rally and therefore Mads got the victory.
Also fun fact, Hirvonen didn't have any stage wins either
1999 Kenya - McRae won without single stage win also.
2010 New-Zealand - Latvala won after Ogier retired on last stage.

[focus206]

The only slight downside for him is he did so not winning a single stage (only Ostberg has done this before), and after the four big names all retired during Saturday.

It actually happened very little time ago... Neuville in Saudi Arabia won the event, but didn't win any stage. I don't know how on commentary they missed that.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Is Ogier starting in Croatia?

Ogier won't start Croatia Rally.

Hayden Paddon returns with Hyundai.

Nine Rally1 crews will take part.

[focus206]

I'm happy for Taka as well. If we have to be honest, up to the start of 2026, he has driven the best car for 6 seasons and achieved 7 podiums, which is very little. But this year already 2 podiums in 3 starts and his first win, let's see if this will boost his confidence for the rest of the season.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Good point by @BritRallyMedia...

SS14 Safari Rally - Jon Armstrong completed the stage 21min down.

Ogier, Neuville, Evans & Solberg didn’t even start the stage but were 11 mins ‘quicker’ after receiving stage max for super rallying... and finished ahead of Armstrong overall.

How is this fair?

[deephouse]

If he will ever win again it should be Japan. It would mean even more for Toyota, Kata and all Japanese.