The Safari Rally 2022 in Kenya officially kicked off yesterday morning, Thursday, June 23.
It was President Uhuru Kenyatta who today kicked off the race that is part of the World Rally Championship (WRC) 2021 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, before the cars entered in the competition tackled the first special stage in the populous Kasarani district. Traffic paralyzed in Nairobi to make way for (and to see) the likes of current world standings leader Kalle Rovanpera, who will lead the Toyota assault in the title defense campaign, to rival, but at the same time stablemate and defending champion Sebastien Ogier, the latest triumphant in the Kenyan Savannah competition, along with two other outstanding Toyota drivers: Takamoto Katsuta and Elfyn Evans and 2019 world champion Ott Tanak of Estonia. Also embellishing the batch of aspirants for ultimate success is nine-time world champion Sebastien Loeb in a Ford Puma.
"We are proud to host this famous event," Kenyatta said, "the competition attracts millions of fans and is considered one of the toughest in the WRC series. It is an event that unites all walks of life in Kenya. The competition does not create opponents because it unites us all."
Kenyan competitors started first; McRea Kimathi and Mwangi Kioni were the first crew to see the President's flag raised. They were followed by Maxine Wahome and Waigwa Murage. While Sean Johnston/Alexander Kihurani (Citroen) were the first foreign crews to take the start. Also among the competitors who will perform on the red earth roads of the Rift Valley is the historic Kenyan rallyist of Italian origin, Carl Tundo.
After the Kasarani parade, in which Ogier set the fastest time and Loeb the third, the rally will officially get into full swing today, Friday 24, with the Naivasha stage and will end on Sunday, after nineteen special stages for a total distance of 363.44 km (225.83 miles).