The stage is set in the Great Rift Valley as Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team arrives fully prepared to take on one of the toughest rallies on the planet the iconic Safari Rally Kenya, the third round of the World Rally Championship.
With crews already present at the official drivers’ briefing on safety and final preparations underway, the mood within the Toyota camp is clear: domination of the Safari is the mission.
All eyes will be on championship leader Elfyn Evans, who arrives in Kenya in formidable form. The Welshman currently tops the WRC standings with 60 points after the opening two rounds of the season, putting him in a strong position as the championship battle intensifies. Evans also returns to Kenya as the defending Safari Rally champion, having conquered the brutal terrain in 2025 — a victory that cemented his reputation as a master of endurance rallies.
Driving the powerful Toyota GR Yaris Rally1, Evans will be looking to repeat history and strengthen his championship lead on terrain where skill, patience, and resilience are just as important as speed.
The Safari Rally remains one of the most demanding and respected events in world motorsport. From rocky sections and deep ruts to unpredictable weather and vast open landscapes, the rally tests both machine and driver to their limits.
This year’s edition marks the third round of the 2026 WRC season and also serves as the opening event of the African Rally Championship calendar, making it an even more significant moment for motorsport on the continent.
As rally headquarters settle in the lakeside town of Naivasha, anticipation is building. The dusty roads of the Rift Valley will once again echo with the thunder of rally cars as the event officially flags off on Thursday.
Motorsport fans are already gathering along the stages, eager to witness the spectacle that only the Safari Rally can deliver.
From the dramatic landscapes to the unpredictable conditions, the rally promises high drama and unforgettable moments. When the cars launch into the stages, dust will rise high into the air, engines will roar across the savannah, and thousands of fans will watch as the world’s best rally drivers battle the unforgiving terrain.
For Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT, the objective is clear — maintain their dominance, defend their title, and continue their strong start to the season.
With a championship leader in peak form, a rally-winning machine, and a legacy of success in Kenya, the team stands poised to once again conquer the Safari.
And as the countdown to the start continues, one thing is certain, the battle for Safari Rally glory is about to begin.
