Day one of Safari Rally Kenya 2026 delivered exactly what fans expect from the legendary event — drama, unpredictable weather, and mechanical survival.
What began as a promising start for Hyundai Motorsport quickly turned into a day where Toyota Gazoo Racing reminded everyone why Kenya has become their stronghold.
Shakedown Hints at Hyundai Pace
Earlier in the day at Nawisa, Hyundai showed strong pace as Thierry Neuville topped the shakedown, hinting at a potential challenge to Toyota’s dominance.
But Safari Rally has a way of rewriting scripts.
Shakedown speed is one thing.
Safari survival is another.
Camp Moran Chaos
The first competitive stage at Camp Moran Stage quickly showed why Safari Rally is feared.
Heavy rain poured across the stage, turning sections of the route into slippery mud and creating extremely difficult driving conditions.
The weather also triggered communication issues for Takamoto Katsuta in his Toyota GR Yaris Rally1, forcing co-driver Aaron Johnston to revert to hand signals to guide the Japanese driver through the stage.
It was an early reminder that in Safari Rally, adaptability is everything.
Mzabibu Turns Against Hyundai
The following stage at Mzabibu Stage proved disastrous for Hyundai.
Despite Fourmaux’s earlier pace, the team suffered overheating issues, costing valuable time and momentum.
Meanwhile, Toyota drivers navigated the chaos more effectively, steadily building their advantage.
Solberg Leads the Toyota Charge
By the end of Day 1, it was Oliver Solberg who emerged on top, leading a Toyota-dominated leaderboard.
Behind him came a powerful Toyota lineup:
Elfyn Evans
Sébastien Ogier
Takamoto Katsuta
Sami Pajari
Hyundai’s best-placed driver Thierry Neuville ended the day in sixth position, leaving the team with ground to recover.
Ford Also Faces Challenges
It was not an easy day for M-Sport Ford either, as the Ford Puma Rally1 cars also battled overheating concerns in the harsh conditions.
Safari Rally’s rough terrain and unpredictable weather once again proved why it is considered the toughest rally on the calendar.
Looking Ahead to Day 2
Friday promises an even bigger challenge with iconic stages including:
KenGen Geothermal Stage
Kedong Stage
Loldia Stage
These stages are longer, rougher, and often decisive in shaping the rally’s outcome.
The big question heading into Day 2:
Can Hyundai bounce back?
Or will Toyota continue to tighten its grip on the rally that increasingly feels like its second home?
One thing is certain.
In Safari Rally, the story is never finished after Day 1.
Rally Fanatics 
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