[WRC] Safari Rally Kenya 2024

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GH1VFCiWIAAG3M7?format=jpg&name=large

[J4MIE]

Not doing it this year for various reasons, but a more than capable replacement with Gordon sitting alongside Minesh, he’s looking forward to the Safari experience.

Road books only a week late so far…

Kedong being reversed with a few changes, and Sleeping Warrior starting a few km later and a different final section, so less distance over the lava field. Everything else pretty much the same.

[J4MIE]

Snorkels allowed for Rally1 cars this year - will we see them?

Right at the start of the long rains, could get very interesting. End of last year was affected by a “super” El Niño so has huge amounts of rain, this is likely to affect the rain patterns the early part of 2024.

[240RS]

Kenya can be tricky when it rains. The road base is not particularly hard and the volcanic soils are weak and break easily.

Hopefully the event organizers aren't forced to shorten sections, or worse still cancel any. We need to a good fight this year. Toyota have been way too dominant there recently and their rumoured suspension improvements may turn the event further still their way.

[J4MIE]

Kenya can be tricky when it rains. The road base is not particularly hard and the volcanic soils are weak and break easily.

Hopefully the event organizers aren't forced to shorten sections, or worse still cancel any. We need to a good fight this year. Toyota have been way too dominant there recently and their rumoured suspension improvements may turn the event further still their way.

A lot of the roads are over bedrock, and when dry the soil dries rock hard in most place and it also dries really quickly.
I’ve been waiting for a proper muddy Safari since I first did it in 2014, the last few years have had a taste on a stage or two but it can get a lot lot worse. Bring it on :)

[240RS]

Word coming out of well placed sources is that all three Toyota Yaris set to tackle this year's Safari will have snorkels mounted.

Additional detail will see roof air vents installed facing backwards, ostensibly to avoid dust being sprayed directly into the cockpit.

[Tauri_J]

I think all teams Will be running them because rally’s gonna run during wet season.

[J4MIE]

I think all teams Will be running them because rally’s gonna run during wet season.

That doesn’t mean it’ll be wet though…. I’m sure they will be easily removable in service.

[EstWRC]

Hyundai tested the snorkel

https://x.com/powerslidemedia/status/1766814840922788082?s=46&t=AWria8OgC1kV5QC61vX5Xg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Hyundai tested the snorkel [/url]

Looks neater side-on...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GIU2tU2XoAAOR9V?format=jpg&name=medium

[EstWRC]

Msport also snorkel testing

https://x.com/llluis555/status/1767270765433442462?s=46&t=AWria8OgC1kV5QC61vX5Xg

[J4MIE]

Any news happening?

Current weather forecast is showing roughly 60% chance of Thunderstorms Friday afternoon as well as Saturday .& Sunday :D

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GJIFP9BWMAAhW-M?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GJIFP9AWoAEdY2Z?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GJIFP9IWgAA27j9?format=jpg&name=large

[J4MIE]

Solberg & Greensmith cars arrived
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/dyP5v6Ba3JwDAHuX/?mibextid=WC7FNe

[J4MIE]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/toyotas-safari-arrival-delayed/

Think they’ll be chuffing lucky to drive from Mombasa in 8 hours….

[J4MIE]

Latest view of service Park:

https://i.ibb.co/Dr3NMMb/1ca8fd0d-7e8f-46ec-a559-cc0110617c06.jpg



A complete mess. Service Park not set up and also the media tents not up. No Internet services either . This is in Naivasha at the KWS Training center where we host the rally drivers park and Parc ferme. By this time we have everything in place. Service providers haven't been paid up to now..what a mess.


Event director has quit.

Oh dear….

[TypeR]

Maybe they are already trying the new ,,cost reduction'' organising :D


Toyota's recce cars don't arrive on time, boat delayed, but they don't worry yet and are sure it will be ok. (Dirtfish)

[J4MIE]

Maybe they are already trying the new ,,cost reduction'' organising :D


Toyota's recce cars don't arrive on time, boat delayed, but they don't worry yet and are sure it will be ok. (Dirtfish)

My friend in Kenya who drives “enthusiastically” can just about do Mombasa to Nairobi in 8 hours. It is a terrible road with terrible traffic. And that’s if he doesn’t get stopped by police.

In a truck, even a quick one…. not a chance.

[WRCStan]

Is there a significance of the 8 hours or are you just saying it's ambitious? They aren't needed until Monday AM.

[J4MIE]

Is there a significance of the 8 hours or are you just saying it's ambitious? They aren't needed until Monday AM.

That’s the quote from Toyota on the dirtfish article.

Recce starts Monday 7am and is 45 mins from service.

[WRCStan]

You can still give the truck 24 hours even if the port functions take 24 hours. No panic.

[TypeR]

Even if the recce cars won't be there on time, I'm 100% sure that there are already 3 EVO's ,,ready to recce''.. it won't change a thing at the O/A results for Toyo drivers.

[EstWRC]

What a joke if all this is true

https://powerslideblog.blogspot.com/2024/03/safari-rally-kenya-unfolding-disaster.html?m=1

[Jarek Z]

Interesting livery:
https://scontent.fktw4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/434174801_802970091857578_7772463838646560284_n.jp g?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5f2048&_nc_ohc=px7G50aKh-AAX8Umt-p&_nc_ht=scontent.fktw4-1.fna&oh=00_AfB9ZoAnMmP8gev5HCrDebAuX3yCCsMbS_3Td84PYirX pw&oe=6604D40F

[J4MIE]

What a joke if all this is true

https://powerslideblog.blogspot.com/2024/03/safari-rally-kenya-unfolding-disaster.html?m=1

Yes this seems to be pretty much what is happening. But the (alleged!) corruption has been going on for years.

Event Director has been reinstated this morning though.

[Eli]

So if Kenya were to be dropped and we’d have Paraguay instead that means that maybe just maybe for the first time since 2019, we might just see a South-American double header…

[J4MIE]

Few more details in this video from a few days ago
https://youtu.be/ITvOlTWJ2cA?si=iLclEPtlBI9CxSgj

[WRCStan]

Bit long, but one of the better kitchen table videos of the last 5 years

[wwbroe]

Things doesn't look good for Safari Rally if things that are being mentioned in this video are somehow true.

[EstWRC]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240325/a958aca481ce34bb399cdec1e13d6e9e.jpg

[CeskyOndra]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240325/a958aca481ce34bb399cdec1e13d6e9e.jpg

And definitely more rain to come.. Amazing. Best spot on the road is first I think, isnt it

[Tauri_J]

It will be a lottery mixed with wise driving. Dont think road position would make a lot of difference.

[EstWRC]

Pajari getting stuck at recce

https://x.com/dirtfishrally/status/1772210614791770472?s=46&t=AWria8OgC1kV5QC61vX5Xg

[J4MIE]

First on the road isn’t great creating ruts for others to follow.
Great conditions, wish I was doing it. But it also dries very very quickly too.

[CeskyOndra]

It will be a lottery mixed with wise driving. Dont think road position would make a lot of difference.

Its gonna be about finishing once again

[CeskyOndra]

Pajari getting stuck at recce

https://x.com/dirtfishrally/status/1772210614791770472?s=46&t=AWria8OgC1kV5QC61vX5Xg

Which stage is this?

[J4MIE]

Which stage is this?

Most of today’s recce is the Saturday stages on Soysambu (which is Soysambu, Elementeita s as if Sleepibg Warrior).
I would guess the first stage as its got more black cotton than the rest. Not sure what the river crossings will be looking like.

Currently hail in Naivasha.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GJgZuQxXUAAUAra?format=jpg&name=large

[J4MIE]

Assume that was the WRC2 test yesterday - this is near Oserian. Shows just how quickly the conditions can change.

[Jarek Z]

Latest photos from Kajto:

https://kajto.pl/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_7845.jpg

https://scontent-waw2-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/431578217_956943265801173_7686292712889155103_n.jp g?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=18de74&_nc_ohc=glMGnmIu69sAX-wrfho&_nc_ht=scontent-waw2-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=AM6HXa8EAAAA&oh=00_AfBWr11n6xyw79XpWOxoTytfyDOESBySOE-Fr98CQi0_Kw&oe=6605341A

https://scontent-waw2-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/433880263_956348025860697_4011850496170024139_n.jp g?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=18de74&_nc_ohc=8cQ2BGcqYjAAX84c1SR&_nc_ht=scontent-waw2-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=AM6HXa8EAAAA&oh=00_AfBo4c-qGl7RGgRRLDNy-UengEKmBPGb51sam7Yqy_xanQ&oe=66068596

[J4MIE]

Today in Naivasha

https://i.ibb.co/MgwDQn8/0a467e70-3e13-4738-8b0e-20ab1f6fa1ba.jpg

[Morte66]

Pajari getting stuck at recce

https://x.com/dirtfishrally/status/1772210614791770472?s=46&t=AWria8OgC1kV5QC61vX5Xg

Pajari is not on the entry list at the top of the thread. I am a bit puzzled...

[J4MIE]

Pajari is not on the entry list at the top of the thread. I am a bit puzzled...

Possibly doing recce only? Quite a few crews have just done recce the last few years.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Kalle's PET was very wet in places.

Great POV onboard though.

https://youtu.be/5ACttYkNhbQ?si=gwXW4xDt5EU_7xDa

.

[Tauri_J]

Its gonna be about finishing once again

Isnt it always?

[J4MIE]

Just had a message from Minesh.
Recce of Sleeping Warrior was full of drama with lots of crews having issues. He broke his steering rack so only got one run through it. Says there’s not that much mud around.

[Jarek Z]

Short onboard from Kajto. Sometimes it's even hard to see any road:

https://scontent-waw2-2.cdninstagram.com/o1/v/t16/f1/m82/5A4DBB9D52C441756ED1319FD18A5CAE_video_dashinit.mp 4?efg=eyJ2ZW5jb2RlX3RhZyI6InZ0c192b2RfdXJsZ2VuLmNs aXBzLnVua25vd24tQzMuMTI4MC5kYXNoX2Jhc2VsaW5lXzFfdj EifQ&_nc_ht=scontent-waw2-2.cdninstagram.com&_nc_cat=108&vs=971865387703150_1168865349&_nc_vs=HBksFQIYT2lnX3hwdl9yZWVsc19wZXJtYW5lbnRfcHJ vZC81QTREQkI5RDUyQzQ0MTc1NkVEMTMxOUZEMThBNUNBRV92a WRlb19kYXNoaW5pdC5tcDQVAALIAQAVAhg6cGFzc3Rocm91Z2h fZXZlcnN0b3JlL0dQdEU1eG00Y1pvT1U1RUNBQ1MzSGhhQ0VVZ GJicV9FQUFBRhUCAsgBACgAGAAbAYgHdXNlX29pbAExFQAAJpS WnuiZ5IdAFQIoAkMzLBdATlEGJN0vGxgSZGFzaF9iYXNlbGluZ V8xX3YxEQB1AAA%3D&ccb=9-4&oh=00_AfAUVH4AvfPQqbq6PDudSowE6N9ESEzyDRZR5N7IaeuP RQ&oe=66043106&_nc_sid=1d576d&_nc_rid=b6238fcf49

[Fast Eddie WRC]

:cool:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GJli6kkXIAAkDGj?format=jpg&name=medium

[EstWRC]

Recce interviews by Dirtfish https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ejk174QUBiI

[J4MIE]

Short onboard from Kajto. Sometimes it's even hard to see any road:

https://scontent-waw2-2.cdninstagram.com/o1/v/t16/f1/m82/5A4DBB9D52C441756ED1319FD18A5CAE_video_dashinit.mp 4?efg=eyJ2ZW5jb2RlX3RhZyI6InZ0c192b2RfdXJsZ2VuLmNs aXBzLnVua25vd24tQzMuMTI4MC5kYXNoX2Jhc2VsaW5lXzFfdj EifQ&_nc_ht=scontent-waw2-2.cdninstagram.com&_nc_cat=108&vs=971865387703150_1168865349&_nc_vs=HBksFQIYT2lnX3hwdl9yZWVsc19wZXJtYW5lbnRfcHJ vZC81QTREQkI5RDUyQzQ0MTc1NkVEMTMxOUZEMThBNUNBRV92a WRlb19kYXNoaW5pdC5tcDQVAALIAQAVAhg6cGFzc3Rocm91Z2h fZXZlcnN0b3JlL0dQdEU1eG00Y1pvT1U1RUNBQ1MzSGhhQ0VVZ GJicV9FQUFBRhUCAsgBACgAGAAbAYgHdXNlX29pbAExFQAAJpS WnuiZ5IdAFQIoAkMzLBdATlEGJN0vGxgSZGFzaF9iYXNlbGluZ V8xX3YxEQB1AAA%3D&ccb=9-4&oh=00_AfAUVH4AvfPQqbq6PDudSowE6N9ESEzyDRZR5N7IaeuP RQ&oe=66043106&_nc_sid=1d576d&_nc_rid=b6238fcf49

That test is the only vehicles using that for the whole year, it has only been used for the test the last few years. Do not really comparable to the rest of the roads.

[J4MIE]

https://i.ibb.co/fFDFrBt/080751d0-fce6-47db-b9fb-775d2d59e120.jpg

[J4MIE]

Recce interviews by Dirtfish https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ejk174QUBiI

As usual the national event competitors going on about how they’re doing the WRC event. Pathetic. They’re doing half of the WRC event.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Kalle's thoughts & answers on SRK 2024:

https://youtu.be/2yV4DfPKd7g?si=bQHwPbfPqTAFdOcW

[EstWRC]

Shakedown in 2 hours

Here is the link https://www.youtube.com/live/Z57ibzYTUQI?si=bL24BRxZT2BtwB1c

[Rallyper]

Morning guys. SD has started...

[EstWRC]

Toyota using the new mirrors now. If you can call them mirrors. You can barely see them

[Rallyper]

Quite boring so far, I would say...

[Rallyper]

Oliver went straight on in first junction left...

[EstWRC]

What was that Oliver? You could see the the turn miles ahead

[Rallyper]

What was that Oliver? You could see the the turn miles ahead

Missed the breaking point

[J4MIE]

Katsuta going back to service to change steering rack.

[EstWRC]

Tänak took Cyril for a ride https://x.com/otttanak/status/1772906529290654112?s=46&t=AWria8OgC1kV5QC61vX5Xg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GJrGod9WIAAadVn?format=jpg&name=medium

[EstWRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GJrqvWwWQAAJF8s?format=jpg&name=4096x4096
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GJre-bwXgAALeob?format=jpg&name=4096x4096
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GJrfAoYW4AAynYc?format=jpg&name=4096x4096
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GJrrAHBXgAAu4Aq?format=jpg&name=large

[CeskyOndra]

Cant wait for Friday! Neuville surprised me with his pace today, but as we know, it doesnt quite matter.

[focus206]

It's time to see if Hyundai has done something significant against the i20's fragility. Last 2 years there were all Toyota podiums, the year before 2 Toyota and 1 Hyundai in 3rd place. My guess is no and it will be another Toyota win, but let's see.

[EstWRC]

Tänak took Cyril for a ride https://x.com/otttanak/status/1772906529290654112?s=46&t=AWria8OgC1kV5QC61vX5Xg


“That was beyond imagination,” the Frenchman exclaimed. “That’s the only thing I can say. I simply don't get how they can anticipate what corner is coming, that's mind-blowing. I've been doing some stuff in my life, I've been very privileged to do some amazing stuff, but that's just on another level.

“That experience, that crazy feeling that we have had, that is something which is totally unique in the world.”

https://www.wrc.com/a/news/w27558_WRC-team-bosses-left-speechless-by-Safari-thrill-rides

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Toyota, Kings of Safari Rally, even made a new design for the returning snorkel...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GJrlkv5XkAACTvs?format=jpg&name=medium

[TypeR]

Toyota, Kings of Safari Rally, even made a new design for the returning snorkel...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GJrlkv5XkAACTvs?format=jpg&name=medium
Obviously too much ,,free'' money to spend the budget :D
But ofcourse, this pipe take tens of engineers and staff to make this snorkel happen..


On the other hand, Skoda took some local sewage pipes with zip-ties and made it work :D
https://www.upload.ee/image/16443036/Screenshot_20240327_231006_Instagram.jpg

[J4MIE]

Read an article on wrcwings the other day showing how the snorkels affect the aero, especially the rear.
Malcolm Wilson said on Nicky Grist’s video that its mainly for the fesh-fesh rather than water.
Does anyone know if they can be fitted/removed by the crews on the road sections, or only in service?

[J4MIE]

Current weather forecast:
Thursday - Partly cloudy. 24% chance of rain.
Friday - Generally clear. 48% chance of rain.
Saturday - Thunderstorms developing in afternoon. 79% chance of rain.
Sunday - Thunderstorms developing in afternoon. 50% chance of rain.

[denkimi]

Read an article on wrcwings the other day showing how the snorkels affect the aero, especially the rear.
Malcolm Wilson said on Nicky Grist’s video that its mainly for the fesh-fesh rather than water.
Does anyone know if they can be fitted/removed by the crews on the road sections, or only in service?
to me it looks like the toyota one could seriously impede the airflow to the rear spoiler.

but perhaps it can create extra downforce in the center due to its shape.

[EstWRC]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240328/1ae7aceb841ac461ff9ac4099c1f1538.jpg

[J4MIE]

to me it looks like the toyota one could seriously impede the airflow to the rear spoiler.

but perhaps it can create extra downforce in the center due to its shape.

Toyota’s one is very clever, where the air from the air vent is entering the snorkel and is re-pressurising the whole system.

[wwbroe]

First stage of the rally will be live soon, looking forward to it

[wwbroe]

Not so bad for a super special stage, quite long with 4,5 kms. Some spectacular images.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Mistakes are easy to make it seems.

[EstWRC]

Locals providing some entertainment

[J4MIE]

Mistakes are easy to make it seems.

It’s a tricky little stage, it doesn’t look like it from the outside but there’s lots of tightening corners and bends after crests, we had a small off in 2022 which cost 15-20 seconds. And of course nasty banks on the inside so must avoid cutting.

[Rallyper]

It’s a tricky little stage, it doesn’t look like it from the outside but there’s lots of tightening corners and bends after crests, we had a small off in 2022 which cost 15-20 seconds. And of course nasty banks on the inside so must avoid cutting.

Lack of physical referenses...

[wwbroe]

Besttime for Neuville, just 0,1 in front of Tanak, with Kalle in third 0,8 behind

[wwbroe]

They don't show the rest of Rally2 cars, why is that?:mad:

[rp]

They don't show the rest of Rally2 cars, why is that?:mad:

SS 1 will continue at rally.tv after the "tv slot" is over.

[J4MIE]

This is my SS1 pacenotes from last year
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SPSqlGq6RrwSQ-2DxPAn8vjTy-8XETcP/view?usp=drivesdk

[wwbroe]

SS 1 will continue at rally.tv after the "tv slot" is over.
Yes, they showed them after all

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Greensmith fastest WRC2 runner.

[wwbroe]

Greensmith fastest WRC2 runner.

He had some advantage as a later runner due to cleaning but good run by Gus

[J4MIE]

Minesh off on first bend :(

[focus206]

Would it be better for Neuville (and Evans, I guess) to open the road on dry surface or with some mud? Normally in a gravel rally, the first on the road would hope for some rain to lower the sweeping effect, but in Safari?

[flat_right]

This is my SS1 pacenotes from last year
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SPSqlGq6RrwSQ-2DxPAn8vjTy-8XETcP/view?usp=drivesdk

Thanks, that's interesting. I imagine, that when you do the recce, you will write everything down with a pencil. When do you have the time to type this into a computer? I have always had the impression that co drivers read from the handwritten sheets.

[J4MIE]

Thanks, that's interesting. I imagine, that when you do the recce, you will write everything down with a pencil. When do you have the time to type this into a computer? I have always had the impression that co drivers read from the handwritten sheets.

That was typed up from previous year hence the amendments written on it.
I prefer to have typed notes as my hand writing is rubbish :p
I take my mobile printer and spare pacenote paper to type up after recce. Got templates etc all arranged so doesn’t take me that long. But think I’d be the only one doing it.

Only slight issue with this one is 2022 the lanes were A (left) and B (right), but they swapped it round for 2023 so A was the right… I had made up a set of notes for starting on each lane.

[J4MIE]

Also national cars have the option to recce yesterday afternoon, so might’ve had the chance to do it then, but usually better to do it in the morning before the start.

I gave Gordon a copy of my notes to hopefully make recce easier for them, but he did rewrite in his own writing. Each codriver has their own way of doing things and own preferences.

[CeskyOndra]

Would it be better for Neuville (and Evans, I guess) to open the road on dry surface or with some mud? Normally in a gravel rally, the first on the road would hope for some rain to lower the sweeping effect, but in Safari?

I dont know, but there could be some advantage for them, if they will do the stage before the rain. They could have this kind of luck.. Otherwise, its maybe better to be dry

[J4MIE]

https://www.president.go.ke/safari-rally-to-be-extended-to-five-days/

Safari Rally to be extended to 5 days

The government is planning to extend the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally from a three-day sporting event to five days.

President William Samoei Ruto directed the Ministry of Sports to work with the International Automobile Federation (FIA) and the WRC to make this a reality.

"I think it is time to consider the request by drivers to return the rally to the five days it used to be," said President Ruto.

[Andre Oliveira]

That's good news.

[CeskyOndra]

That's good news.

More and more difficult for the fans to follow..

[rallyfiend]

Doesn't everyone want to bring costs down?!

[J4MIE]

Vohra has cage damaged in the roll, so game over unfortunately :(

Expensive few km…

[J4MIE]

Doesn't everyone want to bring costs down?!

There’ll be other shorter sprint events as well, so should hopefully not cost much more overall. And might open up more stages in other areas. Done some brilliant ones around Nanyuki just over the equator.

Also it’s 4 days just now, so ‘only’ one extra day. And maybe/probably an extra recce day.

[Morte66]

And... can't see SS1 from this morning on rally.tv, it just does a loading animation. I can only get the live stream, which is a Sweden replay.

Sigh.

[Eli]

And... can't see SS1 from this morning on rally.tv, it just does a loading animation. I can only get the live stream, which is a Sweden replay.

Sigh.

yeah, had the same problem today, whatever they did to the app since Sweden made it worse. At the end I had to refer to airplay and that worked...

[Jarek Z]

Doesn't everyone want to bring costs down?!

Yes, and attract more competitors?

[Jarek Z]

Beautiful pictures from Nico Meyer:

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=957583072390124&set=pcb.957583215723443

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=957583129056785&set=pcb.957583215723443

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=957583155723449&set=pcb.957583215723443

[J4MIE]

My pacenotes from last year’s SS2/5 Loldia (junctions missing on notes as we broke down on recce when I was going to add them in correct place…)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WYSr9r4qbdwFSYO6kU9PVLu-uxFFuAZR/view?usp=drivesdk

Last year’s Pirelli tyre guide for teams:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QkDLl8ulmDLdUUPkXVjGqOiz2kxclRff/view?usp=drivesdk

Friday weather forecast:
Afternoon showers. 40% chance of rain. 26C.

Some sections of black cotton in Kedong, but not really any in Loldia or Geothermal.

I really like Loldia. Very twisty and technical, lots of really bumpy sections, some fast open parts and the section around the hill is very loose (lots of uphill/downhill hairpins) and will probably sweep quite a lot for following cars. Not one to be first on the road. Some zebra around but not that common to see them in this one.

[TypeR]

Seems really rough for the cars alreafy from the beginning and rear ends pouncing a lot..

[Tauri_J]

Nice split by Adrian

[Rally Hokkaido]

Good afternoon from Japan. Looking forward to an eventful Safari...as it always is!

[EstWRC]

Neuville really on it and you could see it also from outside cameras

[TypeR]

Evans losing a lot to Neuville at the end.. +9

[Rally Hokkaido]

Neuville really on it and you could see it also from outside cameras

Yes, made quite a gap over Evans on this stage.

[Tauri_J]

Tänak broke the car already?

[EstWRC]

Hyundais really close pace wise and all three complaining about under steer

[CeskyOndra]

Who else is running 1 spare? Honestly, It is just stupid to carry 1 spare instead of 2... Kedong is always full of punctures

[Kras]

Tänak broke the car already?

I hope he was speaking figuratively and the car is not actually FWD

[EstWRC]

I hope he was speaking figuratively and the car is not actually FWD

I got the same impression and I think he would have lost a lot if he would have FWD only

[TypeR]

And would have been much angrier at the end..

[linni]

I got the same impression and I think he would have lost a lot if he would have FWD only

Must have been something as he lost about 5 seconds during last 2 sections to Lappi.

[240RS]

All the drivers seemingly ill-at-ease with their set-ups. What is going on ???

[Doon]

Yes, and attract more competitors?

Absolutely. An entry list of 23 cars (excluding nationals) is poor. Will be extremely difficult for WRC TV to fill an hour. It’s supposed to be the biggest motorsport event in the whole continent……

[tonirali]

Impressive time from Diego Domínguez, only a tenth behind Ciamin on his first WRC2 full stage.

[wwbroe]

Really strong from Greensmith sofar

[Tauri_J]

I Think I saw when Thierry got a puncture

Yeah they now showed the replay

[Tauri_J]

All ok for Tanak

He has always something to complain about. Gonna find out at the end of the stage

[Kras]

Fastest FWD since Xara kitcar

[TypeR]

Amazing wrc+ interview quality once again :D

[Tauri_J]

And now interview cuts out lol

[wwbroe]

He always have something to say:D

[denkimi]

Fastest FWD since Xara kitcar
it's not the first time tanak has "problems" that normally should set him back minutes, and still drives fastest times.
perhaps it's mind games he's trying.

[wwbroe]

Lappi even faster at second split

[Kras]

And now interview cuts out lol

They are trying to silence him 🤣

[linni]

Amazing wrc+ interview quality once again :D

Cannot really understand, they charge 120 euros from each client and cannot afford even one Starlink terminal?

[EstWRC]

Lappi like puts another gear second stage ina row in second half

[wwbroe]

Lappi taking the lead

[EstWRC]

it's not the first time tanak has "problems" that normally should set him back minutes, and still drives fastest times.
perhaps it's mind games he's trying.

Jesus guys here

He said at the end of the fist stage “feels like front wheel drive” and he meant that grip is just so low

Often times I see here users generating all kinds of stuff out of Tänaks comments

[Kras]

Katsutas time indicates theres a big cleanimng effect

[wwbroe]

Kalle fastest trough

[EstWRC]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240329/84ea3429380f0853af5d85c8aa306e95.jpg

[Tauri_J]

Jesus this broadcast is killing me

[wwbroe]

Solberg stopped to change a puncture, loosing about two minutes

[J4MIE]

SS3 has got to be the least risk of punctures the whole event……

[denkimi]

Jesus guys here

He said at the end of the fist stage “feels like front wheel drive” and he meant that grip is just so low

Often times I see here users generating all kinds of stuff out of Tänaks comments
all I see is what is on the ewrc site: "Generally low grip, somehow really struggling. Only front wheel drive, very hard at the moment, car is not working at all."

[Morte66]

Well, seems no replay of this morning's first stage on rally.tv for me. Did Evans and Neuville have issues to be 25-30 seconds down, or is it just cleaning?

[wwbroe]

Tundo had puncture also, it took him almost six minutes to change it

[wwbroe]

Thierry and Martijn with masks and goggles in the car:)

[CeskyOndra]

If Neuville will get trough this stage with no big lost I will be surprised

[wwbroe]

Good job by Neuville

[wwbroe]

Tanak and Kalle flying in there

[EstWRC]

Kalle in another world

[wwbroe]

What a run by Kalle

[meh]

Epic drive from Rovanperä, unhuman pace.

[EstWRC]

Oh wow. Even admitted it was a big push. Understandable the gap then to others

[J4MIE]

Morning guys, bank holiday here so taking it easy. Have I missed anything? :D

[Tauri_J]

Rather uneventful morning. Do they have some fesh-fesh sections this year?

[meh]

Solberg 2nd puncture (for the loop).

[Rallyper]

Oliver has to shape up a bit... :( :(

[TypeR]

Gus's good pace made him stressed maybe :D

[J4MIE]

Rather uneventful morning. Do they have some fesh-fesh sections this year?

No they got rid of the section in this stage after all the complaints 2 years ago.

Maybe a few small bits tomorrow.

[Rallyper]

Any split times for you on WRC.com, live timing?

[spyros]

Munster drive is a joke, 2,32 sec/km slower is a lot.

[CeskyOndra]

Is 45s a lot here? Like If Evans and Neuville are in the game.. I think they are. They could be first on the road tomorrow which is so important because rain often comes for later runners. But ofc we are just on midday now

[J4MIE]

Minesh lost 17 mins in Geothermal with two punctures :(

[meh]

Is 45s a lot here? Like If Evans and Neuville are in the game.. I think they are. They could be first on the road tomorrow which is so important because rain often comes for later runners. But ofc we are just on midday now

Depends, on what game they take part.

[240RS]

Having the same problem. No splits at all

[EstWRC]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240329/adfd667d2c526fb2e0717ac2883385d9.jpg

[wwbroe]

That is really magical picture

[J4MIE]

Kedong red flagged for last 2 cars, hope Nikhil is ok. Waiting for more info.

[Rallyper]

Gus's good pace made him stressed maybe :D

He needs to handle such things. It´s a long rally, and he should apply that in his thoughts.

[wwbroe]

Second loop is running, Hyundai managed to deliver brand new car for Neuville:)

[TypeR]

https://www.upload.ee/image/16449445/20240329104712_533131.jpeg

[J4MIE]

Looks like a lot of understeer for Evans.

[wwbroe]

Looks like a lot of understeer for Evans.
Good time tough

[Tauri_J]

Knew its gonna happen with Lappi. Look how he throwed the car like a madman

[TypeR]

damn.. Lappi that's not ,,how to wingman..''

[wwbroe]

Tanak complaining again, same problem as in morning he says

[EstWRC]

How come they didn’t have mechanics for Tänak in the service?

What the

[Tauri_J]

That was little weird but not the first time sonething like that has happened

[jonkka]

Number of mechanics is limited and it seems all they spared had to work on Neuville's car. That's interesting as it didn't look that bad.

[J4MIE]

https://i.ibb.co/nj6xBXB/afeb73ec-7e62-447b-828d-0e9bf30f8614.jpg

[EstWRC]

Seems the Toyotas have found the sweet spot now

1-2-3 in the stage

[er88]

Sh

[CeskyOndra]

https://i.ibb.co/nj6xBXB/afeb73ec-7e62-447b-828d-0e9bf30f8614.jpg

Please tell me that rain will come

[CeskyOndra]

Big clouds on the Neuville's onboard, is this in the direction to Kedong?

[Tauri_J]

They were saying its starting to rain in Kedong stage

[CeskyOndra]

They were saying its starting to rain in Kedong stage

They are always saying this but in the end there is nothing

[J4MIE]

Nikhil (car 36) rolled in Kedong, notes were 1km, 3L into Hairpin R. But lost the brakes on the 3L, big roll with an 11g impact so he got a free helicopter ride back to service. Both ok though.

[CeskyOndra]

If the clouds we are seeing are in Kedong stage, then it is proper rain

[J4MIE]

Starting to rain in Kedong, getting info from near finish (which is by far from start either).

Kedong is east of Geothermal.

[wwbroe]

Thierry ha a "big moment" on this one

[Tauri_J]

Tänak stopped

Lol my god this season sucks

[meh]

Tänak done. :/

[er88]

Tanak championship hopes could be in jeopardy already

[wwbroe]

Oh OTT

[CeskyOndra]

Third rally, third mistake

[jonkka]

Third rally, third mistake

TBH, it seems he hit rock on the line which either threw him off or broke something. I wouldn't say it was a mistake.

[denkimi]

so that's only 1 hyundai left.

[meh]

Third rally, third mistake

Not sure about the mistake here.

[Tauri_J]

Third rally, third mistake

There was nothing he could do there

[CeskyOndra]

TBH, it seems he hit rock on the line which either threw him off or broke something. I wouldn't say it was a mistake.

Was it there when Adrien came trough? Evans had it in notes

[EstWRC]

Time to retire and stop this agony which has been going on since 2020

[wwbroe]

It was not a mistake, just very unlucky

[Morte66]

I'm getting Meeke flashbacks, with Tanak.

[denkimi]

i don't even see what tanak has hit?

[CeskyOndra]

He came into the corner differently than the others, bit of similar unluck like Neuville in Greece.

[er88]

Hyundai can't hack it in Africa.

[TypeR]

Tanak helping Neuville early in the season with getting WDC..

[Tauri_J]

i don't even see what tanak has hit?

Rock in the middle of the road lifted the car. Cant turn the car when its in the air. Maybe it survived the impact but unfortunately there was a bank outside of the corner which broke the steering

[CeskyOndra]

Also starting really in the back in Croatia isnt good for him

[er88]

It's hard to tell whether Tanak came in at different angle/speed when all onboards are different. For me it's not a mistake, certainly not an obvious one. Would need to compare onboards and telemetry

[denkimi]

https://twitter.com/mygalem21f4/status/1773686833395663276
the only thing i see that is big enough is the dark stone on the left, but that means he also hit the "10" sign and cut way too much.
or am i missing something?

[J4MIE]

Rain was increasing at Kedong but has stopped now.

[Tauri_J]

https://twitter.com/mygalem21f4/status/1773686833395663276
the only thing i see that is big enough is the dark stone on the left, but that means he also hit the "10" sign and cut way too much.
or am i missing something?

No, rock was rather closer to the right wheel. You can clearly see it

[CeskyOndra]

No, rock was rather closer to the right wheel. You can clearly see it

Yes.. And because of the compression the front of the car was really low

[wwbroe]

Very good stagetime for Greg Munster

[Eli]

Time to retire and stop this agony which has been going on since 2020

Imagine if he’d stayed with Toyota…big shame.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Time to retire and stop this agony which has been going on since 2020

I was just thinking this.

Tanak has to give in or really go back to Toyota.

Neuville will either put the towel in due to Hyundai OR the fact WRC is becoming a mess and no real vision insight...

Hyundai needs some new blood.

["Username"]

Pfff someone tell Tänak it's 2024, not 2014 :s

[WRCStan]

https://twitter.com/mygalem21f4/status/1773686833395663276
the only thing i see that is big enough is the dark stone on the left, but that means he also hit the "10" sign and cut way too much.
or am i missing something?

It's the fold in the road not any rocks.

[denkimi]

Imagine if he’d stayed with Toyota…big shame.
He would have been multiple champion. But perhaps we wouldn't have seen rovanpera at toyota then.

[WRCStan]

Are you guys forgetting all the times he broke the Yaris too?

[rp]

Tänak would be already 5x World Champion if staying at Toyota. He and his manager were greedy and got more money from Hyundai.

[TypeR]

I think there is no point of starting this ,, what if.. staying in Toyota'' story for 50th time..

[CeskyOndra]

It is mainly dry..

[wwbroe]

Good run on last stage for Neuville

[wwbroe]

Kalle only one with green numbers on splits compared to Thierry

[wwbroe]

And he is taking 6 on 6 in besttimes

[Morte66]

Well, that position change is handy for Evans. If he has the close battle with Neuville we've seen so far this year, another notch of running order will help.

[denkimi]

seems silly that kalle still pushes when he has a minute lead and nr2 and 3 are his teammates.

[wwbroe]

Dominguez with some kind of a problem?

[EstWRC]

Tänak explaining what happened

https://x.com/dirtfishrally/status/1773706363174105582?s=46&t=AWria8OgC1kV5QC61vX5Xg

[wwbroe]

Lappi telling that gearbox just exploded:(

[Rallyper]

Hello guys. Has the rally finished already?
Big no.
Wait until Sunday afternoon instead of doing the silly speculations at this stage of the rally. Please!

[J4MIE]

Minesh through to end the day, lost a lot of time this morning but steadily gaining it back on the class leader. Just needs to avoid issues and will move up.

[AndersX]

Minesh through to end the day, lost a lot of time this morning but steadily gaining it back on the class leader. Just needs to avoid issues and will move up.
I am sorry, but who is Minesh and why is he important for this forum?

[EstWRC]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240329/53e3124576dfd46fdb332d78b5501759.jpg

[Morte66]

I am sorry, but who is Minesh and why is he important for this forum?

https://www.motorsportforums.com/showthread.php?43983-WRC-Safari-Rally-Kenya-2024&p=1342021&viewfull=1#post1342021

Car number 37

[meh]

Hello guys. Has the rally finished already?
Big no.
Wait until Sunday afternoon instead of doing the silly speculations at this stage of the rally. Please!

Go and say it to Tänak and Lappi :)

[meh]

seems silly that kalle still pushes when he has a minute lead and nr2 and 3 are his teammates.

I don't think he is pushing. You saw him pushing on the first loop on the same stage, he was 19sec faster than Evans and 26sec faster than Neuville. Not 5.7 and 4.4. He is just that good that he is fastest even when "cruising".

[Rallyper]

Go and say it to Tänak and Lappi :)

Are they out for whole rally? Haven´t been following afternoon...

[J4MIE]

I am sorry, but who is Minesh and why is he important for this forum?

He is driving in the WRC Safari Rally which is a dream for many on here.
You don’t have to read it if you don’t want to, just like you probably don’t want to hear about Serderidis.
There’s more to rallying than the top 8 entries.

[Typ85]

SuperRally, Lappi +30min, Tänak +20min.. must be a mission for Serderidis :)

[tonirali]

Nikhil (car 36) rolled in Kedong, notes were 1km, 3L into Hairpin R. But lost the brakes on the 3L, big roll with an 11g impact so he got a free helicopter ride back to service. Both ok though.

Great to hear they're OK! I've seen the pictures of their damaged car on ewrc and it looked rough :/

[drive]

nature took over in Safari rally :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niWQEYkXQTw

[focus206]

As expected, seems like Hyundai isn't more robust than it used to... Good day for Neuville as he kept close to Evans and Katsuta, but seeing what happened with Tanak and Lappi, he has to hope his i20 is the lucky one.
Kalle on another level, but in rallies like Safari you can never be sure of a win.

[J4MIE]

80% chance of showers overnight
91% chance of thunderstorms tomorrow
:D

[TypeR]

Third year of these cars and still such problems.. argh.

Sound really ,,promising'' for them.

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/hyundai-drivers-told-to-slow-down-to-save-transmission/
About Lappi's and other Hyundais..

The casing exploded,” he said. “We know the transmission is the weak point of this car. It’s not been developed and validated properly.
All they can do is drive at 80%.

Seems like Tanak's manu points don't matter..


TECHNICAL DIRECTOR F-X DEMAISON WANTS TO ENSURE THIERRY NEUVILLE MAKES IT TO THE FINISH OF SAFARI RALLY KENYA

[ik1911]

SuperRally, Lappi +30min, Tänak +20min.. must be a mission for Serderidis :)

Only in Leg 2!

[CeskyOndra]

Why is this day so long, I cant wait until tomorrow. Something tells me that there won't be Toyota TOP 3.

[Morte66]

Why is this day so long, I cant wait until tomorrow. Something tells me that there won't be Toyota TOP 3.

I'd expect Neuville to overhaul Katsuta now there's only one place difference in their road order.

[Morte66]

I'd expect Neuville to overhaul Katsuta now there's only one place difference in their road order.

Well, gearbox permitting.

[EstWRC]

Third year of these cars and still such problems.. argh.

Sound really ,,promising'' for them.

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/hyundai-drivers-told-to-slow-down-to-save-transmission/
About Lappi's and other Hyundais..


Seems like Tanak's manu points don't matter..

They should have said it before the rally. I would have made different Pickems