- Thierry Neuville expects surprises as WRC Safari Rally 2026 takes place in Naivasha from 12-15 March.
- Neuville set the pace after topping the shakedown on Thursday morning.
- He finished 1.8 seconds ahead of championship rival Oliver Solberg.
Hyundai driver Thierry Neuville believes the Safari Rally Kenya 2026, marking the third outing of the World Rally Championship, will be full of surprises after setting the fastest time in Thursday’s shakedown.
The Belgian international, making his 185th start to move past Sebastien Loeb on the WRC’s all-time appearance list, posted a benchmark time of 4min 33.1sec on his third and final pass of the brand-new 6.31km Nawisa test.
He finished 1.8 seconds ahead of championship rival Oliver Solberg who led the Toyota Gazoo Racing charge in only his fourth outing for the team.
Expect surprises at WRC Safari Rally 2026
Nawisa offered a punishing early taste of Safari conditions, climbing through a rocky quarry before descending onto narrow and heavily rutted tracks.
Recent rainfall also added further uncertainty with crews reporting slippery surfaces and rapidly changing grip levels.
The 37-year-old believes the four-day event will be a memorable adventure full of surprises due to the unpredictable weather.
“It is going to be a tough rally in Kenya this year and full of surprises since the weather looks unstable and unpredictable, making Kenya a memorable adventure,” Neuville said on Thursday morning during an open press conference.
Meanwhile, Toyota’s Sami Pajari and championship leader Elfyn Evans followed in third and fourth respectively, while Ogier rounded out the top five ahead of Esapekka Lappi.
Despite setting the pace early, Neuville downplayed any sense of dominance, emphasising the need for continued effort.
He noted that conquering Kenya’s demanding terrain will require careful risk management and mechanical reliability, despite the intense pressure.
He believes that capitalising on every opportunity could place them on the podiuum in one of the toughest rallies on the calendar.
“We need to keep believing and keep working. We have done everything possible to reduce the risk of problems this weekend, especially technical issues we have experienced in the past, particularly during transitions. Hopefully, if we execute well, we can ease the pressure, which is obviously high,” Neuville added.
Neuville was one of three Rally1 drivers to complete three representative runs on the stage, alongside team-mate Esapekka Lappi and Takamoto Katsuta. Solberg’s Toyota had been quickest after the second pass.
He also acknowledged that the weekend will be far from straightforward in Naivasha, Kenya.
“All that said, everyone will face challenges over the weekend and will try to stay out of trouble. It will not be an easy run, but hopefully we (Hyundai) will come out on top,” he reiterated.
Hyundai delivered its strongest performance yet in Kenya last year, securing a double-podium finish with Ott Tänak and Thierry Neuville placing second and third respectively behind Toyota’s Elfyn Evans.
Toyota will field five cars against Hyundai’s three in Kenya, with championship leader Evans joined by Monte Carlo winner Oliver Solberg and full-time drivers Takamoto Katsuta and Sami Pajari.
The line-up is completed by reigning champion Ogier, who continues his partial programme after sitting out Rally Sweden last month.
Ogier last contested the event in 2023, when he secured his second Safari victory, adding to his triumph in 2021.
Following the morning shakedown at Camp Moran, the cars returned to WRTI for the ceremonial start at the event’s Service Park at 3:00 pm EAT.
From there, crews will tackle the opening two competitive stages: Camp Moran 1 (24.35km) and Mzabibu 1 (8.86km), providing an early glimpse of what this year’s rally will deliver.
Spectators and media will have access to all three opening stages.
