The reigning African rally champion Karan Patel is ready to go head to head with some of the world’s finest rally drivers at this year’s WRC Safari Rally, set to rev off from March 28 to 31 in Naivasha.
Behind the wheel of a Skoda Fabia R5, Patel and his navigator, Tauseef Khan, will be the hot favorites in the Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) category, aiming to leave a mark on the world stage.
With the grueling rally just weeks away, Patel expressed confidence in his team’s preparations. “I can say the car is almost 100 percent ready for next week’s event. We’ve been burning the midnight oil to ensure we are ready to take on the Safari Rally.
As far as preparation goes, we’ve probably done our best, and the next part is up to me when I’m behind the wheel to give my best because the team has done their best in preparing for the race. I cannot wait to compete against the best drivers from around the world,” he said.
The KCB Racing Team driver, who will be competing against 18 other drivers in the KNRC category, has hinted at an aggressive strategy for this year’s rally.
“The game plan would still be to attack as it was last year, but we faced a few hiccups with broken brake pads, failed power steering, and a damaged clutch due to fesh fesh. The Skoda is obviously a different car, and I’m still getting used to its character and how to drive it,” Patel explained.
The KNRC category will also feature five-time Safari Rally winner Carl Flash Tundo, defending KNRC champion Jasmeet Iceman Chana, Aakif Virani, and paraplegic driver Nikhil Sachania, who is also sponsored by KCB.
In the main WRC Safari Rally category, Toyota Gazoo Racing will be led by Finnish sensation Kalle Rovanperä and Japanese hotshot Takamoto Katsuta.
Hyundai Motorsport’s lineup will feature 2019 WRC Champion Ott Tänak and Belgian Thierry Neuville. Notably absent this year will be eight-time world champion and 2023 Safari Rally winner Sébastien Ogier, who is competing on a part-time calendar for Toyota.
This year’s Safari Rally marks a return to its traditional Easter weekend for the first time in 27 years, with organizers expecting the rainy season to add an extra layer of unpredictability to the already demanding course.
With KCB reaffirming its commitment to motorsports through a KShs. 195 million sponsorship, all eyes will be on Karan Patel as he aims to conquer the Safari Rally’s treacherous terrain and secure victory in front of his home crowd.
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