- WRC drivers back Safari Rally Kenya contract extension following the thrilling conclusion of the 2026 edition.
- The Safari Rally marked its sixth and final edition under the current contract since making its return in 2021 after a 19-year absence.
- The drivers overwhelmingly gave positive feedback, strongly supporting the renewal of the contract.
The third leg of the World Rally Championship 2026, the Safari Rally Kenya, wrapped up on Sunday, March 15, with Toyota Gazoo driver Takamoto Katsuta crowned champion for his first-ever WRC title.
With that, the Safari Rally marked its final and sixth edition under the contracted deal since making its return in 2021 after 19 years of absence in Naivasha, roughly 90Km from Nairobi.
Now, Kenyans and motorsport enthusiasts who have flocked to this spectacle for the past six years, soaking in the electric atmosphere and unforgettable memories, are left in limbo as the fate of next season’s event remains uncertain.
ALSO READ: Takamoto Katsuta claims maiden WRC title at Safari Rally Kenya 2026
Kenya is currently locked in talks with governing body FIA and WRC Promoter to determine whether the global showcase will be extended for another five years here in East Africa.
As we await the final verdict, hopefully sooner rather than later, SportPesa caught up with several WRC 1 drivers to get their take on whether the event should return to Kenya.
The drivers overwhelmingly gave positive feedback, strongly backing the renewal of the contract.
WRC drivers back Safari Rally Kenya contract extension
Safari Rally 2026 Champion Takamoto Katsuta
The Japanese driver has been a regular competitor since 2021, and through his performances, he’s won over the hearts of Kenyans.
In 2021, he secured his first WRC podium with a second-place finish, followed by third, fourth, and another second in 2022, 2023, and 2024 respectively.
While 2025 was a disappointing outing for the 32-year-old when he was forced to retire due to mechanical issues, he bounced back in style to clinch his maiden WRC title at the 2026 Safari Rally.
Despite it being one of the toughest rounds in the 14-leg calendar, Katsuta, currently third in the world championship standings made it clear he wants the Safari Rally contract renewed.
“Yeah, of course. This is a nice rally and a nice adventure. So, yeah, why not? This rally should be in the calendar. It’s good.”
Two-time Safari Rally Champion Sebastien Ogier
Despite a rough outing in what was his third appearance at the Safari Rally, the nine-time world champion believes Kenya absolutely belongs in the WRC calendar and fully supports the renewal.
“I definitely hope the contract will be renewed because it’s definitely a special event in the championship, and I think it absolutely has a place. So yeah, I certainly hope there will be a renewal of this contract.”
Ogier is a two-time Safari Rally winner (2021 and 2023) and has competed in Kenya four times. He finished fourth in 2022, and after mechanical troubles in 2026, managed to come 11th.
ALSO READ: Toyota expect Hyundai fightback ahead of WRC Safari Rally Kenya
Oliver Solberg – Toyota Gazoo Racing
Oliver Solberg may not have much experience in the top-tier WRC class at the Safari Rally, but he’s no stranger to Kenyan terrain having raced in WRC 2 in 2024 and 2025. He says he loves Kenya and wants it on the calendar.
“I love the Safari Rally, I love Kenya, so for sure it should be in the WRC.”
Like his Toyota teammate Ogier, Solberg also faced mechanical issues despite dominating much of the weekend’s time sheets, eventually finishing 10th.
Thierry Neuville – Hyundai Driver
The Belgian had a strong run during the first two days before misfortune struck on Saturday, forcing an early retirement.
Neuville is among the few drivers who have participated in every Safari Rally edition since 2021, and he strongly backs the renewal, pointing to everything the event brings to the table.
“It’s very different to what we are used to. It’s one kind of rally which you cannot reproduce somewhere else. You need the scenery, the animals, the stages, the conditions, and the weather, which is always very variable here. And also the fans. I mean, we saw again lots of fans. I was there today – – massive traffic jam but that’s always here and those are the things we like.”
Elfyn Evans – 2025 Safari Rally Champion
The 2025 Safari Rally champion saw his hopes slip away on Saturday after being forced to retire due to mechanical problems.
But having competed in every edition since 2021, with podium finishes in 2022 and 2023, Evans believes the Kenyan round is a one-of-a-kind experience that should stay on the calendar.
“Yeah, of course. I think the Safari Rally is something truly unique for the World Rally Championship. It carries massive history and is part of the WRC’s heritage. So yes, it should be on the calendar.”
ALSO READ: Karan Patel targets third ARC title after top Kenyan finish at WRC Safari Rally
John Armstrong – M-Sport Ford (Safari Rally Debut)
Making his debut in a Puma Rally1 over the weekend, the Northern Irishman says the Safari Rally offers an experience like no other and he’s hoping to return.
“Yeah, for sure. I think the Safari Rally is one of the WRC classics, and it’s been so good to see it back since 2021. It’s a hell of a challenge, and something that deserves its place. This was my first time here, and I’ve gained so much experience. So definitely, I’d love to see it back next year so I can put that experience to use.”
Sami Pajari – Toyota Gazoo (Third Place, Safari Rally 2026)
The rising Finnish star also hit technical trouble on Saturday but dug deep and managed to finish third- one spot up from his debut in 2025.
Pajari describes the Safari Rally as a uniquely thrilling adventure that should not be dropped.
“It’s a really unique rally. I think this kind of event belongs on the calendar. Yeah, it’s a genuinely special adventure.”
Adrien Fourmaux – Hyundai Driver (Second Place, Safari Rally 2026)
The Frenchman secured Hyundai’s first podium of the season with a second-place finish.
Having competed in Kenya for four years, he is fully behind keeping the Safari Rally in the championship.
“I love the Safari Rally. For me, it needs to be in the championship.”
That said, he does raise one concern, whether the 2027-spec cars will be rugged enough to handle the punishing muddy and rocky terrain.
“The only question is whether the 2027 car will be strong enough. We will discover it. But at least the rally is quite a success, I would say. So yes, it deserves to be in the championship. Maybe it would also be nice to have new stages, but that’s a different story.”
Gus Greensmith – two-time WRC 2 Safari Rally Champion
Greensmith could not defend his WRC 2 title this time around, finishing second behind Skoda Fabia driver Robert Virves. Still, the Brit made it clear he wants to keep coming back to Kenya for as many years as possible.
“Yeah, for sure. I want to be coming back here for as many years as I can. One of my favourite rallies. I’d love to see that.”
What to expect at WRC Safari Rally if the contract is renewed
As things stand, we still don’t know the fate of the Safari Rally contract. If renewed, it would be a massive boost for Kenyan sports and the event itself.
But things might look a bit different from 2027 onward. President William Ruto has announced the government will step back from sponsoring the event, shifting responsibility to the private sector, meaning it’ll be privately run moving forward.
That shift was already visible in the just-concluded edition, where corporates like leading gaming firm SportPesa stepped up as core event sponsors.
