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The eagerly awaited WRC Safari Rally Kenya is set to kick off today with a flag-off at KICC, as President William Ruto ceremoniously launches the event.
Following the flag-off, a Super Spectator Stage at Kasarani covering 4.84 kilometers will thrill the audience before the action shifts to the Service Park in Naivasha for a three-day display.
Nestled at the Kenya Wildlife Research Training Institute, the Service Park serves as the heart of the rally, where teams meticulously fine-tune their vehicles and conduct essential maintenance with the aid of their dedicated mechanics.
Throughout Naivasha, the rally traverses various routes including Malewa, Loldia, Elementaita, and Soysambu, with several spectator stages along the way. The journey culminates at the Hells Gate National Park where the closing ceremony will be held and winners announced.
Ahead of the main event, on Wednesday, rally drivers undertook a challenging 5.4-kilometer shakedown at Loldia Ranch in the Ndulele Conservancy in Naivasha. The shakedown provides a sample of the roads to allow drivers to prepare and test their car setups for the rally and prevailing weather conditions.
While no points are earned during the shakedown, a strong performance serves as a morale booster for the crews and offers insights into their preparedness for the main event.
FIA Vice-President for Sport Africa and FIA World Motor Sport Council member Rodrigo Rocha will be among the distinguished guests in attendance.
According to the schedule released by FIA, Friday’s first full leg consists of three stages, with Kedong, SS4/SS7, featuring a new section in the Miti Mbili area and running in a reverse direction compared to 2023.
Saturday’s action revolves around Lake Elmenteita north of Naivasha, with three repeated stages including Sleeping Warrior, now extended to 36.08 kilometers, the longest of the rally.
Sunday’s decisive leg begins with Malewa, reduced from 9.00 kilometers to 8.33, followed by the Oserengoni stage, titled Oserian last season, situated in the wildlife conservancy estate of the same name. The 10.53-kilometer Hell’s Gate tests host the Wolf Power Stage from 14:15.
BY FELIX KIPKEMOI