Six-time Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) national champion Leonardo Varese is aiming for a top-five finish in the national classification at the WRC (World Rally Championship) Safari Rally, set to rev off in Naivasha from March 12–15.
Co-driven by long-time navigator Kigondu Kareithi, the seasoned duo will line up in a Toyota Yaris GR4, the first of its kind on Kenyan soil.
Varese will be making his debut at the globally elevated Safari Rally since its return to the World Rally Championship calendar and he is setting his sights firmly on a strong statement in the national category.
“We will be doing the national category this year because this is the first time we are driving this car,” Varese said. “It’s a Rally3 car, which we could have entered into the ARC, but since we acquired it late, we decided just to do the national category. Next year, we can do the ARC.
“We would like to get a top-five finish in the category. I think we are like 19 or 20 of us. A top five on our debut, we will be very happy.”
After years of dominating the 2WD ranks, Varese explained that the move to four-wheel drive was driven by ambition rather than necessity.
“After winning our sixth 2WD title, we saw there is not much more we can achieve in the category, so we looked for another mountain to climb.
“When Toyota built the Yaris, it was the perfect opportunity for us because we have been with the manufacturer for a long time and trust them,” he said.
The 54-year-old father of two and Kareithi put their new machine through its paces at the Kasarani Super Special Stage on Sunday, using the test to fine-tune both car and crew ahead of the punishing Safari terrain.
“Today was a good testing opportunity for us in this new car. We have never driven it in the rally before, and I am happy we came here today.”
Still, the veteran was quick to point out areas needing attention.
“There are a few things we have not yet finalised on the car. There is some water coming in from some places when we do the big splashes flat out.
“There are some covers which are not in place, which is not ideal when you are going out into the sections.
“All in all, the power of the car and the handling are beautiful. It was a good testing opportunity.”
That Kasarani run, he confirmed, was their final shakedown.
“This was our final test drive. We will not have any other opportunity, unfortunately, but we have seen what we need to do in the car.”
Leonardo Varese during his test drive/ TEDDY MULEIConfidence, however, remains high that both driver and machine will be battle-ready when the Safari flag drops.
“I am sure we will be ready by the time the Safari comes. The car will be ready one week before the rally,” he added.
Varese believes the Toyota Yaris GR’s raw power and agility will give them a competitive edge against a national field dominated by Subarus and Mitsubishis.
“We are driving a Toyota Yaris GR, the only one in Kenya. The majority of the other drivers are driving Subarus and Mitsubishis.
“This is the first one locally built for Kenya and we are very prepared.”
The Toyota GR Yaris is widely regarded as a rally-bred beast powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing up to 300 horsepower and 400Nm of torque, wrapped in a lightweight 1,280kg chassis.
It is a compact machine built for speed, precision and punishment, traits perfectly suited for Safari’s unforgiving stages.
Beyond horsepower and handling, Varese is banking on chemistry inside the cockpit.
“We knew each other from high school. I have only ever sat with him as a navigator. I have full trust in him,” he said.
Preparation for the Safari has also extended beyond the garage.
“I do two 5km runs a week and strength training. I also do 15-hour fasting daily before my first meal.”
