The Safari Rally Kenya shakedown began with Kalle Rovanperä delivering an impressive performance, setting the fastest time on the 5.16 km stage. The Finnish driver, piloting his Toyota GR Yaris Rally1, clocked in at 4m 34.5s, outpacing his competitors and signaling a strong start to the event.
Trailing Rovanperä by 1.6 seconds, Thierry Neuville secured the second-fastest time in his Hyundai i20 N Rally1. Close behind, Ott Tänak, also representing Hyundai, completed the shakedown 1.9 seconds off the lead pace. Adrien Fourmaux and Takamoto Katsuta rounded out the top five, showcasing competitive timings in their respective runs.
However, the day was overshadowed by a collective decision among drivers to limit their stage-end comments. This silent protest stems from a 10,000€ fine imposed on Adrien Fourmaux during the previous Rally Sweden for inappropriate language during an interview. The drivers, advocating for greater freedom of expression, have chosen to minimise media interactions this weekend, expressing disappointment over the lack of dialogue with the FIA regarding the incident.
As the Safari Rally Kenya progresses, all eyes will be on the drivers’ performances and the unfolding dynamics both on and off the track. The rally promises to deliver thrilling competition amidst the backdrop of ongoing discussions about driver expression and regulatory policies.