KCB drivers step up preparations for 2025 Safari Rally in Naivasha

Nikhil Sachania and his navigator Deep Patel testing his car in Athi River on February 23, 2025, ahead of the Safari Rally.[KCB]

Kenya's rally enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to as KCB Racing Team drivers Nikhil Sachania and Karan Patel ramp up their preparations for the much-anticipated 2025 Safari Rally, the third leg of the World Rally Championship (WRC), set to take place in Naivasha from March 20-23.

In an intense preparation phase, the duo tested their cars over the weekend in Athi River, fine-tuning their machines to match the grueling conditions of the global competition.

The event is expected to attract top rally crews from around the world, and the Kenyan drivers are leaving nothing to chance in their quest for success.

Following the test session on Sunday, Karan Patel expressed confidence in his car's performance, noting significant upgrades.

"We are done with our test. The car has undergone a major overhaul, including the engine, gearbox, and other critical components, to ensure peak performance ahead of the rally," said Patel, the reigning African Rally Champion, who competes alongside navigator Tauseef Khan in a Skoda R5 car.

Meanwhile, Sachania, the only paraplegic driver on the WRC calendar, is gearing up to compete in a newly acquired Ford Fiesta Rally3. Speaking about his latest machine, he shared his excitement about the transition from a Mitsubishi Evo X.

"Today, we're out here testing our new car. After competing in the ARC in Rwanda, we're now gearing up for the WRC. The main goal is to get mileage on the car and fine-tune its suspension settings to handle the unforgiving Safari conditions. This car is lighter, faster, and more aggressive, allowing me to navigate corners with greater precision and speed," he stated.

The KCB Racing Team also includes Evans Kavisi and Tinashe Gatimu, who, along with Patel and Sachania, recently received a major boost after KCB Bank committed Sh23 million to support their participation in the four-day event in Nakuru County.

Additionally, KCB has reinforced its status as the largest motorsports sponsor in Kenya, having pledged KShs. 209 million to back the WRC Safari Rally.

With the rally dates fast approaching, the Kenyan drivers are determined to make a mark on home soil, leveraging their rigorous preparations to take on the challenging Safari Rally terrain.