Reigning world champion Belgian Thierry Neuville laid down an early marker at the 2026 WRC Safari Rally Kenya after topping Thursday morning’s shakedown session in Naivasha.
The Belgian driver clocked 4 minutes 33.1 seconds on his third and final run through the brand-new 6.31km Nawisa stage, finishing 1.8 seconds ahead of Oliver Solberg who led the charge for Toyota Gazoo Racing.
Neuville’s outing also marked a milestone as he made his 185th start in the WRC, moving past rally legend Sébastien Loeb on the championship’s all-time appearance list.
The Nawisa test offered drivers an early taste of the notoriously punishing Safari conditions, with the route climbing through a rocky quarry before descending onto narrow tracks scarred with deep ruts. Recent rainfall further complicated matters, leaving sections slippery and grip levels constantly changing.
Speaking after the run, Neuville said the unpredictable conditions would make the rally difficult to call.
“I don’t think anyone can predict the final result here this weekend. We need to find the fine line between going fast enough and not too fast. The conditions are going to be horrendous at some points,” he said.
Finnish youngster Sami Pajari posted the third fastest time, followed by championship leader Elfyn Evans in fourth.
Eight-time world champion Sébastien Ogier, the only active driver with multiple Safari Rally victories, completed the top five ahead of Esapekka Lappi.
Ogier warned that the rally could prove even tougher than previous editions due to the recent weather.
“It’s more challenging than ever. The rain has been intense, so some sections are going to be very, very challenging. It will be about survival,” he said.
There was also encouragement for M-Sport Ford World Rally Team, with Josh McErlean finishing seventh ahead of Takamoto Katsuta, while fellow Irishman Jon Armstrong placed ninth on his Rally1 gravel debut.
Frenchman Adrien Fourmaux completed the top ten after setting his quickest run early before the deteriorating surface made further improvements difficult.
Competitive action for the rally begins later on Thursday with Stage 1 – Camp Moran, scheduled to start at 2:30pm local time
