•On Thursday, participating drivers took part in the Kasarani Super Special Stage and Ceremonial start.
•President William Ruto said the much-awaited 2023 WRC Safari Rally will promote tourism and create economic opportunities.
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Kenya's Karan Patel, navigated by Tauseef Khan driving Ford Fiesta in the RC2 class category in action at Soysambu competitive stage during the 2023 WRC Safari Rally on June 24, 2023
The fight for the WRC Safari Rally title will go to the wire on Sunday between Toyota Gazoo Racing's Sebastian Ogier and Kalle Rovanpera with the Japanese manufacturer guaranteed of a clean 1-2-3-4 sweep.
The 2021 Safari rally champion Sebastian Ogier had looked to have used his wealth of experience to manage the stages well without any drama but rain in the final 31.04km Sleeping Warrior stage disrupted that plan with Ogier finishing 15.3 seconds behind Rovanpera to reduce his lead to just 16.7 seconds.
Poland's Daniel Chwist with his navigator Kamil Heller driving Skoda Fabia in the RC2 class category wade through the river at Soysambu competitive stage during the 2023 WRC Safari Rally on June 24, 2023.Kenya's Aakif Virani, navigated by Azhar Bhatti driving Skoda Fabia in the RC2 class category in action at Soysambu competitive stage during the 2023 WRC Safari Rally on June 24, 2023. Ott Tanak Navigated by Martin Jarveoja power their Ford Puma through the Soysambu stage during the 2023 WRC Safari Rally, June 24, 2023.Kenya's Aakif Virani, navigated by Azhar Bhatti driving Skoda Fabia in the RC2 class category in action at Soysambu competitive stage during the 2023 WRC Safari Rally on June 24, 2023. A spectator carrying a Kenyan flag during the 2023 WRC Safari Rally on June 24, 2023. Spectators having fun during the 2023 WRC Safari Rally on June 24, 2023. Kenya's Aakif Virani, navigated by Azhar Bhatti driving Skoda Fabia in the RC2 class category in action at Soysambu competitive stage during the 2023 WRC Safari Rally on June 24, 2023.
This year’s entry list has had 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.
Sebastian Ogier Navigated by Vincent Landais wade through the Soysambu section during the 2023 WRC Safari Rally on June 24, 2023.Spectators at the sleeping Warrior in Naivasha on June 24, 2023. Spectators at the sleeping Warrior in Naivasha on June 24, 2023.
On Thursday, participating drivers took part in theKasarani Super Special Stage and Ceremonial start.
The Super Stage counted as the first speed test of the 19-stage WRC Safari Rally showpiece.
President William Ruto said the much-awaited 2023 WRC Safari Rally will promote tourism and create economic opportunities.
He said the government is capitalising on the WRC Safari Rally to broaden economic opportunities in the country.
The President said the event attracts more than 100,000 visitors, creating job opportunities worth Sh24.7 billion.
Daniel Sordo and his navigator Candido Carrera zoom past spectators at the Sleeping Warrior competitive stage during the 2023 WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha on June 24, 2023.Kale Rovanpera navigated by Jonne Halttunen in action at the Soysambu section during the 2023 WRC Safari Raly on June 24, 2023Lappi Esapekka navigated by Janne Ferm in action at Soysambu during the 2023 WRC Safari Rally on June 24, 2023.Spectators at the sleeping Warrior in Naivasha on June 24, 2023. Spectators at the sleeping Warrior in Naivasha on June 24, 2023. Sebastian Ogier, navigated by Vincent Landais power his Toyota GR Yaris through the Sleeping Warrior section during the 2023 WRC Safari Rally on June 24, 2023Kalle Rovanpera, navigated by Jonne Halttunen power his Toyota GR Yaris through the Sleeping Warrior section during the 2023 WRC Safari Rally. June 24, 2023.
