World Rally Championship 2025: What fans and spectators need to know

The excitement is building as Naivasha prepares to host the highly anticipated Safari Rally 2025, part of the World Rally Championship (WRC).

The thrilling event will see over 50 drivers take on the rugged terrains of Kenya from March 20 to March 23, following previous rounds in Monte Carlo and Sweden.

The Safari Rally will officially kick off with a ceremonial flag-off at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Thursday, March 20, before culminating in the scenic Hells Gate on Sunday.

Fans can look forward to a range of activities highlighting the spirit of motorsport and community engagement.

"We are very keen for the spectators to feel and enjoy the rally as safely as possible," said Charles Gacheru, the WRC Safari Rally Kenya Chief Executive Officer.

Key Schedule Highlights:

• Monday, March 17: Preliminary activities begin.
• Wednesday, March 19: Shakedown at Sleeping Warrior at 10:01 AM.
• Thursday, March 20:
  • Flag-off at KICC at 11:26 AM
  • Super Special Stage 1 at Kasarani at 1:05 PM
  • SS 2 at Mzabibu 1 at 4:43 PM
• Friday, March 21: Competitive stages include Camp Moran, Loldia, and Kengen Geothermal.
• Saturday, March 22: The action continues with stages at Sleeping Warrior and Elementaita.
• Sunday, March 23: The final stages begin at Mzabibu, concluding with the Wolf Power Stage at Hell's Gate.

The entry list for this year's rally is packed with top talent. Reigning champion Kalle Rovanpera leads the charge for Toyota, joined by teammates Elfyn Evans, Takamoto Katsuta, and Sami Pajari.

Hyundai's roster includes former champion Thierry Neuville, who is seeking his first victory in Kenya alongside teammates Ott Tanak and Adrien Fourmaux. The competition is further bolstered by a strong contingent of Kenyan drivers, including Carl Tundo, Karan Patel, and the promising Hamza Anwar, who is eager to take on the formidable international field.

For fans wondering how to catch all the action, the Safari Rally 2025 will be broadcast live on Rally TV, DSTV, and GoTV, ensuring that motorsport enthusiasts around the globe don't miss a moment.