Rajveer Thethy is set to chase a podium finish in the national classification of this weekend’s WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha.
Thethy, who finished fourth in the KNRC class last year, is fired up by that near-miss. ”My main goal in 2026 is to compete in the Safari Rally and secure a podium finish in class,” Thethy told the WRC Safari Rally team.
”Last year, I came very close and was one of the few competitors to complete every stage without a mechanical breakdown. That gave me huge confidence in both my pace and consistency.”
Armed with experience from previous outings, Thethy is brimming with determination. ”I’m coming back stronger, wiser, and more focused. I learned a lot from my first Safari, and I’m ready to push my limits to fight for a top result,” he said.
For this campaign, Thethy will team up with Laban Cliff for the first time behind the wheel of a Subaru N12. ”It will be our first rally sitting together, but we are working hard to build strong chemistry and communication. In rallying, trust between driver and navigator is everything, and we’re focused on being fully synchronised before the start,” he added.
Tethy will rely on the Subaru N12, a car he knows inside out. ”I will use the same car as last year. It’s a strong and reliable machine, and last year’s performance proved its durability, especially being one of the few cars to complete every stage without issues. We’ve done testing and shakedown sessions to fine-tune the setup and get me back into rhythm. My last competitive event was last year’s Safari, and since then, I’ve been training consistently to make sure I’m race-ready.”
Growing up around rallying has given Thethy an edge. ”Being a second-generation driver is a huge advantage. I understand the sport deeply and have had guidance and mentorship from my dad from a very young age. That experience and knowledge are priceless.”
His father, an F2 champion, has been instrumental in shaping his career. “His knowledge and experience in the sport have given me a strong foundation. He has taught me crucial lessons about race craft, discipline, preparation, and how to stay mentally strong under pressure. For the Safari Rally, he’ll act as my mentor, guiding me through strategy, stage management, and decision-making.”
With 12 years of motorsport experience and over 100 races under his belt, Thethy is ready for the challenge. ”I started in Kenyan motorsport at age 12. Since then, I’ve competed in more than 100 races across different disciplines, earning over 80 podiums and six career championships.”
”After Safari, I’m also looking to challenge myself in new disciplines like rally raid and enduro. I want to develop as a complete driver and test myself in different environments.”
