The WRC which kicked off with the flag off at KICC on Thursday is poised to go on till Sunday, March 23.
Finnish rally driver Kalle Rovanpera has expressed caution ahead of the Kenyan leg of the 2025 World Rally Championship (WRC), citing the challenging terrain as a major factor.
Rovanpera is aiming to secure his third WRC Safari Rally title in Kenya as he competes against top drivers in the thrilling three-day event this weekend.
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Having previously won the Safari Rally in 2022 and again in 2024 in a dramatic finale, he remains one of the fastest-rising stars in global motorsports.
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With an impressive track record with the Toyota Gazoo Racing Team (GRT), Rovanpera has established himself as a dominant force in the WRC.
However, this season has not started as strongly for him, and he hopes the Safari Rally will bring a change of fortune despite his concerns over the unpredictable Kenyan terrain.
It is already looking promising for the Finnish driver as he stormed through the 5.16km test stage in 4:34.5, setting the fastest time on Wednesday morning.
Speaking ahead of the event, Rovanpera shared his thoughts on returning to Kenya.
“Honestly, it is always great to come back here. This is one of the rallies in the season that you look forward to because it is a great challenge, not just for me but for Toyota as a team. The people here are always great and welcoming, so it always feels nice and refreshing to be here.” he stated via Telecom Asia Sport
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The Joe Kadenge stadium, formerly City stadium, which previously served as home ground for Gor Mahia is expected to be in usable condition following renovations.
The 24-year-old acknowledged the difficulty of the event, saying, “I have won it twice already, and of course, I want to go for a third. But it is not easy. This is one of the most difficult rallies in the world, and winning is never guaranteed. That said, I am optimistic about giving my best and trying to win again. It is a challenge I love, and I am looking forward to an exciting weekend.”
While he enjoys the test that the Safari Rally presents, he admits that the rough terrain and unpredictable weather conditions pose a significant challenge to both drivers and their cars.
“In a way, I can say it is one of my favorite rallies because I love challenges. But for many drivers, it is not a favorite because of the tough terrain and the stress it puts on the cars. However, the overall experience is fantastic, and that is why I always look forward to coming back.”
Rovanpera further explained, “The conditions here are really tough. You never know whether to expect rain or dry, rocky roads. Every year brings a different kind of challenge, so you have to approach it carefully and take good care of your car.”
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When asked about his approach to the race, Rovanpera revealed he would make minor adjustments to his strategy while maintaining consistency.
“Maybe I will tweak things just a little, but I will try to stay consistent and take good care of the car to avoid trouble,” he concluded.
The 2025 WRC Safari Rally was flagged off at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi on Thursday before heading to Naivasha for the main competition, which runs from Friday to Sunday.
