Kalle Rovanperä set the fastest time in Safari Rally Kenya’s shakedown, signaling a fierce battle ahead on Africa’s toughest terrain.
Safari Rally favorite Kalle Rovanpera headed the times on the pre-event shakedown stage, edging out his Hyundai rivals to lay down an early marker in Kenya.
The defending champion, piloting his Toyota GR Yaris Rally1, stormed through the 5.16km test stage in 4:34.5, setting the fastest time on Wednesday morning.
The Finnish driver, a two-time winner of this grueling African classic, showcased his prowess on gravel and rugged terrain, reminding the competition of his dominance.
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After a challenging start to the season, failing to break into the top five in the first two rounds, Rovanperä signaled his intent to fight back as the WRC’s first full gravel event got underway.
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Thierry Neuville, the current championship leader, came closest to matching Rovanperä’s speed, pushing his Hyundai i20 N Rally1 to within 1.6 seconds of the Toyota.
Neuville, however, had to wait until his final run to secure second place, narrowly edging his teammate Ott Tänak, who ended the session 1.9 seconds off the pace in third.
Toyota’s Takamoto Katsuta posted the fourth-fastest time, 3.5 seconds behind Rovanpera, while Adrien Fourmaux, driving for M-Sport Ford, completed the top five.
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The Belgian rally leader, Neuville, made it clear that drivers were making a stand this weekend following the FIA’s controversial penalty to Fourmaux for swearing during Rally Sweden.
“There will be very little communication from us this weekend,” Neuville confirmed.
“We are disappointed not to have had more communication with the FIA since Sweden and Adrien’s fine. Unanimously, we have decided not to communicate at the finish – except at the finish of the longest stage.”
Grégoire Munster led M-Sport Ford’s charge with a strong sixth-place finish in the shakedown, clocking 4:39.7 in his Puma Rally1.
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He narrowly beat Toyota’s Elfyn Evans, who set a 4:40.8 time, with the Welshman aiming to maintain his early-season momentum after leading the championship standings.
Rounding out the top ten, Irishman Josh McErlean posted a 4:44.2 in his Puma Rally1, followed by Oliver Solberg in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 at 4:47.1. Sami Pajari and co-driver Marko Salminen secured tenth place with a 4:48.5 effort.
The Safari Rally remains one of the toughest challenges on the WRC calendar, known for its punishing conditions, unpredictable weather, and grueling stages.
This year’s edition promises an intense battle, with Toyota, Hyundai and Ford all in contention for victory.
