Hyundai Motorsport Prepares for Challenging Safari Rally Kenya 2025

The Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team is preparing for the Safari Rally Kenya, the third round of the 2025 WRC season. They aim for a podium finish with enhanced car specifications. The rally features challenging terrains with iconic stages and demands a combination of endurance and strategic driving. Key drivers include Adrien Fourmaux, Ott Tänak, and Thierry Neuville, each sharing insights on the event’s unique difficulties.

The Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team is enthusiastic about participating in the third round of the 2025 FIA World Rally Championship, the Safari Rally Kenya, aiming for a podium finish following a difficult season start. This notorious gravel rally presents numerous challenges, including the risk of vehicle damage due to rough terrains such as fesh fesh sand and unpredictable weather conditions, all amidst the breathtaking scenery of the African plains.

Drivers Adrien Fourmaux, Ott Tänak, and Thierry Neuville are prepared to leverage their experience with the Hyundai i20 N Rally1 car to find the right mix of risk and reward during the rally. Tänak previously secured Hyundai’s only podium at this event in 2021, while Neuville had a strong lead until retiring unexpectedly, proving their competitiveness in past rallies.

For the 2025 Safari Rally Kenya, Hyundai Motorsport has opted for the upgraded 2024-spec Hyundai i20 N Rally1, focusing on reliability to optimize performance and score essential points in the championship. The rally will span 383.10 km over four days, featuring iconic stages such as Sleeping Warrior, Soysambu, and Hell’s Gate, with an added emphasis on endurance and smart driving tactics due to the event’s challenging nature.

The competition commences on Thursday with two short stages, followed by a demanding Friday that includes eight stages totaling 157.58 km. Saturday’s itinerary promises to be grueling with two loops of key stages, while Sunday will conclude the event with five stages, ultimately culminating with Hell’s Gate being highlighted as the Power Stage.

Cyril Abiteboul, President of Hyundai Motorsport, expressed a clear objective, stating the necessity of a strong performance to gain momentum in the championship. Meanwhile, each driver has shared unique insights regarding the challenges posed by Safari Rally Kenya and their strategies to manage them effectively, aiming for podium finishes while acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the rally.

In conclusion, the Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team is gearing up for a significant challenge at the Safari Rally Kenya. With an experienced lineup of drivers and advanced car specifications, the team aspires to overcome the hurdles of this demanding gravel rally. By focusing on both reliability and strategic driving, they aim to build momentum for the remainder of the WRC season while navigating the unpredictable terrains and conditions of Kenya.

Original Source: motorsport.hyundai.com