The FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) is set to return to Africa next week with the highly anticipated Safari Rally Kenya, running from March 20 to 23 in Naivasha and Nairobi.
As the third round of the 2025 WRC season, the Safari Rally is renowned as one of the most challenging events in motorsport. This year, it also doubles as the opening round of the Africa Rally Championship (ARC).
Representing Uganda in this prestigious rally are Yasin Nasser and his co-driver Ali Katumba in a Ford Fiesta Rally2, alongside Timothy Gawaya, making his debut in the national category with his Seat Ibiza.
Nasser, now a seasoned contender, is determined to overcome past setbacks after retiring early in 2022 due to mechanical issues and rolling his car in 2024 during the Kedong stage.
With a successful test session in Garuga, Entebbe, completed earlier today, Nasser expressed optimism about his chances this year.
“We’re prepared and focused on finishing strong,” he remarked, highlighting his aspirations to secure vital ARC points.
The 2025 Safari Rally entry list boasts 39 crews, including top-tier Rally1 drivers such as current WRC leader Elfyn Evans, reigning champion Thierry Neuville, and two-time champion Kalle Rovanperä.
Local Kenyan stars Carl Tundo, Karan Patel, and Samman Singh Vohra will also battle it out in the competitive WRC2 category.
For Nasser and Katumba, this year’s rally presents an opportunity to rewrite history and achieve their first-ever Safari Rally success against an unforgiving backdrop of intense competition and rugged terrains.
