Safari Rally champion Kalle Rovanpera reckons he has what it takes to conquer Kenya’s unforgiving terrains yet again for a third title when the WRC Safari Rally revs off today.
The Finnish ace dominated last year’s event, clocking 3:36:04 to clinch victory and bag 20 crucial championship points.
His Toyota Gazoo Racing teammate, Japan’s Takamoto Katsuta, secured second place in 3:37:41.8, while Frenchman Adrien Fourmaux completed the podium in 3:38:29.1.
Rovanpera’s first taste of Safari Rally glory came in 2022 when he stormed to victory in 3:40:24.9, ahead of Elfyn Evans (3:41:17.7) and Katsuta (3:42:07.6).
Alongside his trusted navigator Jonne Halttunen, the 24-year-old is determined to defend his title and cement his dominance on Kenyan soil.
“We have won it a few times so we’ll try to win it again. Not one of the easiest Rally’s to win but we will do my best,” Rovanpera said.
“This is one of the most demanding rallies of the season. The conditions are brutal, but it’s an important event for me and Toyota. I’m excited to be here.”
While Rovanpera has ruled the Safari Rally in recent years, his 2025 WRC campaign has been a mixed bag. He opened the season with a sixth-place finish in Monte-Carlo before settling for fifth in Sweden.
With the Kenyan leg notorious for punishing both cars and drivers, the defending champion is banking on a more measured approach.
“We will just try to stay consistent and avoid all car troubles,” he added. Rovanpera got a feel of the course during Wednesday’s 5km shakedown at Sleeping Warrior and acknowledged that this year’s event could be even tougher.
“I think so far the car looks really good. This year it’s going to be rougher than before so I think it will be tougher,” he said.
Toyota has been the team to beat since the Safari Rally returned to the WRC calendar in 2021. Sebastien Ogier won the 2021 and 2023 editions, while Rovanpera secured the 2022 and 2024 crowns.
Rovanpera believes they can extend their dominance in Kenyan soil but remains wary of the unpredictability of the Safari Rally.
“We will be strong like before but you never know with the Rally, it is so unpredictable. We will for sure get a lot of competition,” he said.
Toyota currently leads the manufacturer’s standings after the two legs in Monte-Carlo and Sweden—sitting top on 120 points followed by Hyundai with 72 and M-Sport Ford with 25 points.
Rovanpera believes the conditions and course of the Safari Rally make it one of the most exciting stages of the WRC.
“In a way, it’s not one of the favourites to drive but the experience is really good, the weekend is always exciting,” he said. “The conditions and how you approach it makes it different from the other Rallies.”
Meanwhile, Katsuta Takamoto believes he has made crucial improvements and is eager to put in a strong performance in Kenya.
“This year I have improvements on my driving style, I was second in Sweden so I hope to do even better here in Kenya,” Takamoto said. In Sweden, Takamoto placed second after amassing 25 points behind Evans (35 points).
Competing in his fifth Safari Rally, Takamoto echoed Rovanpera’s sentiments, emphasising the team’s collective ambition.
“Nice to be back here, it’s my fifth time
racing at the Safari Rally. We hope to bring
back a good performance for Toyota,” he
said.
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