Safari Rally Challenge: Legends of Bayern Endure Extreme Physiological Trials!
WRC crews, mechanics and cars were pushed to their limits in Kenya as multiple frontrunners retired and teams battled to keep surviving cars running
Motorsport photo Thierry Neuville believes this year’s edition of the Safari Rally Kenya is “probably the toughest rally ever seen” as crews battled against brutal conditions to survive the stages. The Hyundai driver was among a list of heavy hitters that included Oliver Solberg , Sébastien Ogier , Elfyn Evans and Josh McErlean, who were all forced to retire as the conditions inflicted terminal damage to their cars. Look at the rear wheel 🤯 #WRC | #SafariRallyKenya 🇰🇪 pic.
twitter. com/Iw1s48MXUY — FIA World Rally Championship (@OfficialWRC) March 14, 2026 Damage done so far Crews had expected this year’s edition of the African classic to be extreme due to heavy rain in the lead up. Further rain showers have turned sections of stages into mud baths, while exposing punishing rocks waiting to inflict damage.
Organisers have been forced to cancel two stages due deteriorating road conditions that have made it impossible for medical vehicles to access. Neuville had benefited from the triple retirement of the top three Solberg, Ogier and Evans to move into second position. But the Belgian had to nurse his car through overheating issues caused by mud blocking his i20 N’s radiator.
Scott Martin, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 Scott Martin, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 Drivers have had to be resourceful to keep radiators clear of mud after each stage and keep water levels topped up, even sourcing extra water from nearby puddles to keep cars running. A double puncture followed by a broken driveshaft ultimately ended his day in stage 14. Reflecting on the rally Neuville believes sporting regulations should be altered to allow Rally1 teams to make further event specific alterations to protect the cars.
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