Five-time Safari Rally champion Carl ‘Flash’ Tundo is revving up for a podium finish at this year’s World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally in the WRC2 category.
A seasoned campaigner on Kenya’s rugged rally stages, Tundo boasts Safari Rally wins in 2004, 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2018.
His 2009 triumph came when the event was part of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC), making him the only Kenyan to win an IRC round.
Last year, Tundo showcased his dominance by clinching the Kenya National Rally Championship category of the WRC Safari Rally.
Tundo is ready to take on the Safari’s brutal terrain once again, this time behind the wheel of a Ford Fiesta R2 alongside his trusted navigator, Tim Jessop.
His ambitions are clear, to secure a podium in the WRC2 and launch his quest for glory in the Africa Rally Championship (ARC).
“I am still competitive and I want to get on the WRC2 podium and win the ARC,” Tundo said. Apart from being the third stage of the WRC calendar, this year’s Safari Rally will double up as the opening stage of the FIA ARC as well as a stage in the KNRC.
Tundo further highlighted his deep love for the Safari Rally. “This will be my 24th Safari Rally. I have won it five times and claimed the KNRC title eight times. It’s an event close to my heart and very dear to me,” he added.
Despite his vast experience, Tundo acknowledges the rising challenge from a younger generation of rally drivers.
“The competition is getting tougher every year. The young guys are pushing hard. My eyesight may not be what it used to be, but I still have my competitive edge and I’m looking forward to a strong performance,” he said.
Tundo is taking a measured approach to the rally, focusing on his race rather than chasing rivals’ times.
“I am taking it in my stride. It helps not to focus too much on others’ splits,” he remarked. Tundo is hoping for rain to settle the dust and add an extra challenge to the already demanding course.
“I am looking forward to the rally and I hope it rains. It’s scorching right now and if it stays dry, we will have to battle a lot of dust,” he noted.
On Wednesday, Tundo and fellow rally driver Ishmael Azeli were unveiled as Betika’s representatives for the WRC Safari Rally.
Azeli, co-driven by John Kadivane, will tackle the Safari in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX. Tundo praised Betika for its continued support, noting that with the backing comes expectation.
“This is my fourth year with Betika and they have been fantastic sponsors. They have supported us in the previous Safari and Rally Cross events. There’s some pressure because we’ve done well in the past,” he admitted.
Betika Group CEO Mutua
Mutava expressed confi dence in
Tundo and Azeli, hoping they will
deliver standout performances.
