At the same time, Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) leader Samman Vohra started the global outing on a sour note when his Skoda Fabia had a double roll on the dusty Kasarani terrains. Five times KNRC champion Carl Tundo was the best placed Kenyan at 16th place in 3:42.9
"I feel good, it's great to start the rally like this, but it's still a long way to go," Neuville told Standard Sports after the sweet showdown.
"We expect a very challenging event ahead, but as Hyundai we hope we will get through the rest of the stages like this," added Neuville.
Tanak, who linked up with the Hyundai stable last season, proved that he is slowly fitting in and will soon be a force to reckon with again.
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The Estonian superstar urged his teammates to keep focus as he predicted that the weekend plan will be a tough one to endure.
"There will be much stress, but the strategy is to stay out of trouble, that's the only way we will be assured of victory," stated Tanak.
Toyota have triumphed in the Safari Rally since the return of the global motorsports extravaganza to Kenya in 2021. The Japanese constructors are out for a four-peat podium sweep this year.
On the other hand, Hyundai is having a formidable lineup that is so far working for them and they are optimistic that their formula will halt Toyota's marauding ways on Kenyan soil.
The rally, to traverse rough terrains of Naivasha from today onwards, was flagged off by President William Ruto at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi yesterday.
First off, the ramp was Tundo who was followed by reigning African Rally Champion Karan Patel.