The 2026 WRC Safari Rally Kenya lived up to its reputation for drama after sudden rains turned the opening competitive stage into a muddy and treacherous test for drivers in Naivasha.
Heavy showers transformed Camp Moran 1 into a mud bath, catching several crews off guard as the third round of the FIA World Rally Championship began in brutal fashion.
Amid the chaos, Sweden’s Oliver Solberg emerged as the early pacesetter, charging into the lead after a strong performance in the opening stages. The Toyota driver adapted best to the slippery conditions as many rivals struggled to keep their cars on the narrow, muddy tracks.
The second stage of the day, Mzabibu 1, offered a brief reprieve as the surface was largely dry, allowing drivers to recover some of the time lost in the punishing opening test.
By the end of the day, Toyota Gazoo Racing dominated the leaderboard, occupying the top five positions as the cars returned to the service park for the overnight parc fermé.
Drivers react to tough conditions
Solberg expressed delight at leading the rally after surviving the challenging start.
“What a first day at Safari Rally Kenya! Incredibly tough conditions out there but Elliott and I love the challenge. A stage win and ending the day leading the rally. The feeling in my Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 is amazing. Thanks for all the support from the fantastic Kenyan fans.”
Eight-time world champion Sébastien Ogier, who ended the day in third place, said survival was the priority after the sudden weather change.
“You know you’re going to lose time, but you can’t get too frustrated. It’s not seconds you lose here but minutes. It’s hard to start a race like this, and if the weather keeps changing over the next three days, timing on the stages will be very important.”
Reigning world champion Thierry Neuville described the muddy conditions as among the most difficult he has experienced in the rally.
“It was simply more difficult than last year. That stage was close to being one of the trickiest I have ever done. We lost quite a bit of time there, but it wasn’t getting any easier for the cars behind us.”
Meanwhile, Ireland’s Jon Armstrong admitted the first stage felt more like navigating through water than racing on gravel.
“The first stage was just crazy, especially the first 10km. You would have been better off on a boat. But we made it through okay.”
The rally continues on Friday with several demanding stages across the Rift Valley, where changing weather conditions are expected to play a major role in determining the outcome.
