The Safari Rally is traditionally a major challenge for participants. It has rained a lot ahead of this year's Safari Rally, making it even more difficult. Conditions are extremely difficult due to heavy rain, with the rain changing the route, as some roads have been washed away and replaced by stones and deep holes.
The third WRC event of the year is being held in Kenya. Only two special stages were run on Thursday in the Safari Rally. After the opening day, Oliver Solberg leads by over half a minute.
Sami Pajari is fifth after Thursday, over two minutes behind the leader, while Esapekka Lappi is ninth after Thursday. Difficult conditions were evident in the first special stage, affecting many drivers. Oliver Solberg was half a minute faster than Elfyn Evans in the first special stage.
In the second special stage, Sami Pajari was only four tenths slower than the fastest time set by Sébastien Ogier. Esapekka Lappi had issues with water pressure in the second special stage, finishing eighth. 3 seconds over WRC leader Elfyn Evans.
Oliver Solberg leads the rally by 33 seconds ahead of Elfyn Evans after the first day. Toyota leads after the first day. The Safari Rally continues until Sunday.
The third special stage (Camp Moran 2) on Friday was canceled due to poor road conditions. How many stages remain after this cancellation is not yet clear. Drivers have expressed the severity of the conditions.
' Describing the terrain, Solberg noted, 'Some road sections have been washed away by rain, replaced by stones or holes. In many places, the holes are water-filled and you have no idea how deep they are. You have to slow down, drive through, and hope you get through.
There's a 50 percent chance you get through some sections, while others are as fine as can be and there you have to accelerate. ' Sami Pajari described his experience, saying, 'It was a pretty good situation at the start and I tried to go for it, but pretty quickly I came back from there on the milk train. ' He later commented on the second stage, 'Completely different stage compared to the first one.
' Esapekka Lappi was more critical, stating, 'Impossible to drive, at least for me. There's no grip at all. The car doesn't stop and doesn't turn.
Even if you drive slowly, situations arise. ' Drivers have only 28 tires for the rally, and under new FIA rules, a driver cannot stop on the road to change tires. The exact impact of this new rule on driver strategies in this rally remains uncertain.
There is also a risk of wild animals in the area; in 2024, Esapekka Lappi collided with a zebra and several birds. What specific safety measures are in place for drivers regarding wild animal encounters is not detailed. Oliver Solberg is second in the WRC standings after winning in Monte Carlo and placing fourth in Sweden.
' The Safari Rally is one of the most difficult competitions and is broadcast on TV4 Play and RallyTV. A dramatic second day of the Safari Rally is over.