Reigning African Rally Champion Karan Patel is confident that he will register impressive result at this year’s WRC Safari Rally scheduled March 28 to 31 in Naivasha.
The KCB sponsored driver alongside his navigator Tauseef Khan in a Skoda Fabia R5 will be among 20 drivers who will be taking part in the WRC Safari Rally,which is also the second round of the national rally championship,KNRC,.
Karan Patel spoke of the readiness of his car ahead of the grueling race in less than a week.
“I can say the car is almost 100 percent ready for next week’s event. We have been burning the midnight oil to ensure we are ready to take on the grueling Safari Rally. I cannot wait to compete against the best drivers from around the world.”
Organizers have confirmed 20 drivers will take part in the Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) category during the four-day event. Some notable names include paraplegic driver Nikhil Sachania, veteran Carl Tundo, Kenya National rally Championship reigning champion Jasmeet Chana, Sammn Vohra, Pauline Sheghu, and Aakif Virani among others.
In the main WRC Safari Rally category, the Toyota Gazoo racing team led by Kalle Rovanperä and Takamoto Katsuta are expected to headline the event.
Hyundai’s duo of Ott Tanak and Thierry Neuville aresme of the priority one drivers enlisted for the third round of the world rally circuit.
Reigning champion Sebastian Ogier will miss the Safari Rally.
The Safari Rally is returning to its traditional Easter weekend for the first time in 27 years, making the course more challenging for the drivers not to mention the rainy season.
KCB has sponsored the Safari Rally after announcing a KShs. 195 million sponsorship and has also partnered with rally drivers – Nikhil Sachania and Karan Patel.
