Neuville Sets Early Pace at Safari Rally Kenya Shakedown

Thierry Neuville set the early pace at the opening of the Safari Rally Kenya on Thursday morning. He topped the shakedown as crews prepared for one of the toughest events on the World Rally Championship calendar.

The Belgian driver marked his 185th WRC start, moving ahead of Sébastien Loeb on the championship’s all time appearance list. Neuville produced the fastest time of 4 minutes 33.1 seconds on his third and final run of the new 6.31 km Nawisa test stage. He finished 1.8 seconds ahead of title rival Oliver Solberg, who led the charge for Toyota Gazoo Racing in his fourth start with the team.

The Nawisa shakedown delivered an early preview of Safari Rally conditions. The stage climbed through a rocky quarry before dropping into narrow tracks filled with deep ruts. Recent rain created slippery sections and shifting grip levels, forcing crews to approach the stage with caution.

“I don’t think anyone predicts the final result this weekend,” Neuville said after his opening run. “Drivers need the balance between speed and control. Conditions will turn harsh in some sections.”

Toyota’s Sami Pajari placed third while championship leader Elfyn Evans finished fourth. Eight time world champion Sébastien Ogier completed the top five ahead of Esapekka Lappi.

Ogier, the only active driver with multiple Safari Rally Kenya victories, expects a difficult event.

“The challenge increases this year,” Ogier said. “Heavy rain has hit the stages. Some sections will push the cars and crews to the limit. Survival will matter.”

There were positive signs for M‑Sport Ford World Rally Team. Joshua McErlean finished seventh ahead of Takamoto Katsuta. Jon Armstrong placed ninth on his Rally1 gravel debut. Both Irish drivers ended the session within five seconds of Neuville’s leading time.

Adrien Fourmaux closed the top ten. He set his fastest run on the first pass before worsening ruts prevented further improvements.

Competitive action begins later today with the opening stage at Camp Moran at 14:30 local time.