TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Prepares for Milestone 100th Safari Rally Kenya

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing is set for its 100th WRC event at the Safari Rally Kenya from March 20-23. The team seeks to maintain an unbeaten record in a rally known for its unique challenges, rugged terrains, and unpredictable weather. Drivers Elfyn Evans, Kalle Rovanperä, and Takamoto Katsuta aim for strong performances, while Sami Pajari faces his first Safari experience. The GR Yaris Rally2 also debuts in Africa this year.

The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team is preparing for its 100th event at the Safari Rally Kenya, occurring from March 20-23. The team has marked a remarkable start to the season, achieving a one-two finish in the first two rounds at Monte Carlo and Sweden, solidifying their defense of the manufacturers’ championship title. This successful kickoff represents the best performance by a manufacturer in the modern WRC era.

Elfyn Evans, leading the driver standings after his win in Sweden, will compete in Kenya, a rally where teammate Takamoto Katsuta has previously earned three podium finishes. Kalle Rovanperä, who has won the Safari in 2022 and 2024, is poised to challenge Evans for the title. Sami Pajari will experience the event for the first time with the TGR-WRT2 entry.

Historically, TGR-WRT boasts a strong legacy at the Safari, winning all four editions since the event rejoined the WRC calendar in 2021. This rally also commemorates the 40th anniversary of Juha Kankkunen’s first WRC victory at this event in a Toyota Celica Twincam Turbo. Kankkunen will lead the team on-ground for the first time in his role as Deputy Team Principal.

The Safari Rally offers WRC teams unique challenges, with its rugged, rocky terrains and areas of soft sand. Rain can transform the typically dry tracks into muddy courses, and teams equip their vehicles with snorkel systems to avert engine issues in deep water or sand. This year’s route has been expanded to 384.86 competitive kilometers, marking the longest WRC round in years.

The rally initiates in Nairobi on Thursday, featuring stages like the Kasarani super special. New stages include Mzabibu and Camp Moran, the latter being the longest at 32.2 km. Crews will travel north to Lake Elmenteita for several repeated tests, concluding the event with the Power Stage at Hell’s Gate.

The GR Yaris Rally2 also joins the competition in Africa for the first time, including four customer entries among the top crews in the WRC2 entry list. Oliver Solberg leads the championship following his recent victory, accompanied by competitors like Jan Solans and Kajetan Kajetanowicz making his debut in the GR Yaris Rally2.

The upcoming Safari Rally Kenya marks a significant milestone for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing as they celebrate their 100th WRC event. With a strong history in this rally, challenging terrain, and mixed weather conditions, the team aims to leverage their experience and strategy to secure favorable results. The expanded route and participation of the GR Yaris Rally2 signify a promising future for the team in competitive rallying scenarios.

Original Source: newsroom.toyota.eu