[PHOTOS] Ruto flags off 2023 WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha

Kenya set to witness ultimate speed and precision in the high-adrenaline action

In Summary

•Drivers are steeling themselves to thunder through gnarly routes of the picturesque Great Rift Valley, known to teem with exotic wildlife.   

•Defending champion Kalle Rovanpera will renew rivalry with the 2021 winner Sébastien Ogier in a vicious battle on Kenya’s rocky, rutted tracks.

by MAUREEN KINYANJUI News Reporter
InPictures
21 June 2023 - 11:41
President William Ruto at the 2023 WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha on June 21, 2023.
President William Ruto at the 2023 WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha on June 21, 2023.
Image: PCS

President William Ruto on Wednesday flagged off the 2023 WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha.

The country is about to witness ultimate speed and precision in the high-adrenaline action.

This year’s entry list has 10 top-level Rally1 Hybrid cars and 11 WRC2 runners.

The list also includes a five-strong WRC3 line-up which has Kenya KQ/Safaricom trio of McRae Kimathi, Jeremiah Wahome, and Hamza Anwar.

President William Ruto in an interview at the 2023 WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha on June 21, 2023.
President William Ruto in an interview at the 2023 WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha on June 21, 2023.
Image: PCS
President William Ruto at the 2023 WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha on June 21, 2023.
President William Ruto at the 2023 WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha on June 21, 2023.
Image: PCS
President William Ruto at the 2023 WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha on June 21, 2023.
President William Ruto at the 2023 WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha on June 21, 2023.
Image: PCS
Toyota Gazoo racing team at the service park ready for the 2023 WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha on June 21, 2023.
Toyota Gazoo racing team at the service park ready for the 2023 WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha on June 21, 2023.
Image: JACK OWUOR
President William Ruto flags off the 2023 WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha on June 21, 2023.
President William Ruto flags off the 2023 WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha on June 21, 2023.
Image: JACK OWUOR
Toyota Gazoo racing team at the service park ready for the 2023 WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha on June 21, 2023.
Toyota Gazoo racing team at the service park ready for the 2023 WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha on June 21, 2023.
Image: JACK OWUOR
President William Ruto flags off the 2023 WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha on June 21, 2023.
President William Ruto flags off the 2023 WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha on June 21, 2023.
Image: JACK OWUOR

Four Kenyan drivers Evans Kavisi, Nikhil Sachania (both of Team KCB); Minesh Rathod and Josiah Kariuki (Subaru) are listed in the national category.

The drivers of the multi-coloured machines are steeling themselves to thunder through the Great Rift Valley, known for its exotic wildlife.   

Finish rally driver Kalle Rovanpera, who is the defending champion will renew his rivalry with the 2021 winner Sébastien Ogier(France).

Toyota Gazoo racing team at the service park ready for the 2023 WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha on June 21, 2023.
Toyota Gazoo racing team at the service park ready for the 2023 WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha on June 21, 2023.
Image: JACK OWUOR
President William Ruto flags off the 2023 WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha on June 21, 2023.
President William Ruto flags off the 2023 WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha on June 21, 2023.
Image: JACK OWUOR
President William Ruto and Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika at the 2023 WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha on June 21, 2023.
President William Ruto and Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika at the 2023 WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha on June 21, 2023.
Image: PCS
President William Ruto flags off the 2023 WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha on June 21, 2023.
President William Ruto flags off the 2023 WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha on June 21, 2023.
Image: JACK OWUOR
President William Ruto pose for a picture with all women Talanta Hela during the flag off of the 2023 WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha on June 21, 2023.
President William Ruto pose for a picture with all women Talanta Hela during the flag off of the 2023 WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha on June 21, 2023.
Image: JACK OWUOR
Hyundai vehicles read for the 2023 WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha on June 21, 2023.
Hyundai vehicles read for the 2023 WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha on June 21, 2023.
Image: JACK OWUOR

Kenyans chase WRC3 hopeful Domínguez as Safari craze hots up

Meanwhile, Hyundai Motorsport star Esapekka Lappi will step into a whole new world when he contests at this week’s Safari.
Sports
10 months ago

Excitement galore as World Rally teams arrive for Safari

Reconnaissance was scheduled for today and tomorrow before paving the way for Wednesday’s Shakedown at Loldia
Sports
10 months ago
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21 June 2023 - 11:41

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