KCB Rally driver Evans Kavisi is shifting into high gear for a fierce battle at the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally, which roars to life on Thursday after test runs on his Mitsubishi Evo X.
Navigated by his long-time co-driver Absalom Aswani, Kavisi will once again pilot his trusted automobile since making his WRC debut in 2021. With meticulous final touches completed, he is confident the car is in peak condition for an electrifying performance.
“The car is in pristine condition and we can’t wait to participate,” said Kavisi. His team undertook an extensive rebuild, ensuring every component of the Evo X was race-ready.
“One of the things we did differently this year is rebuilding the car from the bodywork to the engine,” said Kavisi.
“We normally test for a few kilometres to ensure that everything is working well. So far, I am happy because we are ready to go.”
Kavisi is eager to improve on his last outing in 2023, where mechanical issues forced him into early retirement. That year, Sebastien Ogier of France clinched victory, with Finland’s Kalle Rovanpera and Britain’s Elfyn Evans rounding off the podium.
After taking a one-year hiatus from competitive rallying after the 2023 edition, Kavisi is now back with renewed determination.
“This year, we head into this race with our heads held high, optimistic that we will finish the gruelling race and put Kenya on the map,” he added.
Despite his confidence, Kavisi is aware of the Safari Rally’s demanding nature.
“The Safari Rally has been a tough contest for me and my co-driver Absalom. In the last four times we have participated in the global event, we have retired due to car problems,” he said.
Kavisi is part of KCB’s four-car lineup, joining three-time Safari Rally champion Karan Patel and paraplegic driver Nikhil Sachania.
They will battle a strong Kenyan contingent, including five-time Safari Rally winner Carl Tundo and Ishmael Azeli, who will represent betting firm Betika alongside Hamza Anwar, Samman Singh and Aakif Virani.
The international charge will be spearheaded by defending champion Rovanpera, flanked by current WRC standings leader Elfyn Evans and Japan’s Takamoto Katsuta in a formidable Toyota Gazoo Racing outfit.
Last year’s WRC champion Thierry Neuville will lead Hyundai’s assault alongside Adrien Fourmaux and Ott Tanak. The rally revs off on Thursday and will be flagged off by President William Ruto at City Hall Way before drivers thunder into Kasarani for the Super Special Stage.
From Friday, the action shifts to the punishing terrains of Camp Moran, Loldia, Geothermal and Kedong with each stage tackled twice.
On Saturday, the crews will navigate Sleeping Warrior, Elementaita and Soysambu before Sunday’s gruelling finale at Osengeroni and Hell’s Gate, where champions will be crowned in a grand prize-giving ceremony at Hell’s Gate.
