After a successful shakedown on Thursday morning at Nawisa (6.31km), Swedish star and Toyota Gazoo Racing driver Oliver Solberg is confident of mounting a podium challenge at this year’s iconic Safari Rally.
Solberg clocked 4:34.9 to post the second-fastest time during the shakedown, laying down an early marker ahead of the gruelling stages that await across the rally weekend.
Belgian ace Thierry Neuville of Hyundai topped the timesheets with a blistering 4:33.1, while Sami Pajari from Toyota slotted into third after stopping the clock at 4:35.3.
Following the morning run, Solberg expressed optimism about the days ahead, setting his sights firmly on a podium finish if everything falls into place.
“Its very important to have a good run in this rally. The objective is to have a good weekend and stay out of trouble,” Solberg said.
“A podium for me would be fantastic, if I will, it will be a dream come true,” he added.
However, the young Swede was quick to acknowledge the fierce challenge expected on Kenya’s unforgiving terrain.
“For me, this will be one of the roughest rallies because of all the rain, all the rocks on the roads, holes and bumps,” he noted.
“It will probably be one of the most demanding years so far. The conditions make it a classic Safari Rally.”
With the legendary African rally renowned for testing both machine and driver, Solberg emphasised that a smart and disciplined approach will be crucial to making it through the marathon event unscathed. “Its a long rally, so you have to be clever and see what’s possible.”
Meanwhile, Finnish driver Esapekka Lappi of Hyundai, who placed sixth with a time of 4:36.6 in the shakedown, is equally bullish about his prospects heading into the demanding weekend. “There is a chance to be successful because of the conditions; it’s not about performance.”
Lappi pointed to the punishing terrain and unpredictable weather as factors that could level the playing field for drivers willing to adopt a measured approach.
“The conditions are very demanding, and maybe performance is not the most important thing, so we may have a better chance here.”
“I’ll try to drive slow and do my best,” he said. Japanese driver Takamoto Katsuta, who boasts valuable Safari Rally experience, finished eighth overall after posting a time of 4:37.5 during the shakedown.
Katsuta is hopeful that the Toyota Gazoo Racing team can mount another strong charge and successfully defend their Safari crown. “We’ll see if we can try to defend our Safari title.”
He also admitted that the field will feel the absence of two-time Safari Rally champion and Toyota Gazoo teammate Kalle Rovanperä, who will miss this year’s edition.
“Kalle is my best friend, but we are keeping in touch and talking about what’s going on.”
