Hyundai Motorsport Prepares for Challenge at Safari Rally Kenya

Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team targets a podium finish at the Safari Rally Kenya, facing a variety of challenges including treacherous terrain and unpredictable weather. The event spans four days and totals 383.10 kilometers with iconic stages. The team emphasizes the importance of vehicle reliability and endurance, led by experienced drivers such as Ott Tänak and Thierry Neuville, each aiming for success in this demanding rally.

Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team aims to secure a podium finish at the third round of the 2025 FIA World Rally Championship, the Safari Rally Kenya, after a challenging start to the season. This demanding gravel rally presents unique risks, including harsh terrain such as fesh fesh, large rocks, and deep ruts, requiring crews to navigate carefully. The unpredictable weather can also dramatically affect performance, making reliability a key factor for success.

Adrien Fourmaux seeks to match his impressive performance from the previous year, while experienced drivers Ott Tänak and Thierry Neuville intend to leverage their knowledge of the Hyundai i20 N Rally1. Tänak previously achieved Hyundai Motorsport’s only podium at this event in 2021, while Neuville’s unfortunate retirement still haunts the history of their attempts in Kenya.

The upcoming event will span 383.10 kilometers over four days, featuring iconic stages like Sleeping Warrior, Soysambu, and Hell’s Gate. Notably, Camp Moran is the longest stage and will challenge competitors with its length and terrain. The competition commences on Thursday, with a busy Friday consisting of eight stages, followed by a day akin to last year’s schedule and a refreshed five-stage itinerary on Sunday.

Cyril Abiteboul, President and Team Principal of Hyundai Motorsport, stated their objective: they need a strong performance in Kenya to regain momentum after a difficult season start. He emphasized the importance of reliability, survival, and perseverance throughout the challenging conditions of the rally, which can yield unexpected outcomes.

Thierry Neuville and his co-driver Martijn Wydaeghe are determined to replicate the podium success from Sweden. Neuville remarked on the unique nature of the Safari Rally, where conditions can shift dramatically, underlining the necessity for careful driving and strategic vehicle management to navigate the challenges.

Ott Tänak, paired with Martin Järveoja, hopes to seize the opportunity presented by the demanding landscape of Kenya, which he describes as testing. The duo remains focused on finding a balance between speed and caution, aiming for a podium finish despite the potential obstacles that may arise.

Adrien Fourmaux and Alexandre Coria aspire to repeat last year’s podium finish. Fourmaux expressed the need for endurance and smart management of both the car and tires in this grueling rally. They have prepared the vehicle’s suspension specifically for the rough terrain, stating their determination to achieve the best result possible despite the inherent challenges.

In summary, Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team is poised to tackle the challenges of the Safari Rally Kenya, with the teams led by experienced drivers aiming for strong performances through careful management of their vehicles and strategic driving. With the rugged terrain, changing conditions, and the length of the event posing significant risks, success will depend on reliability, endurance, and the ability to adapt to the rally’s demands. Hyundai’s focus on preparation, strategic planning, and team experience will be critical as they pursue a podium finish following a rocky start to the season.

Original Source: motorsport.hyundai.com