Preparing for the Iconic Safari Rally Kenya: A Unique Challenge in the WRC

Josh McErlean and Eoin Treacy participate in the iconic Safari Rally Kenya, leading a three-car M-Sport Ford team. This year’s event introduces challenging gravel terrain and is considered one of the toughest in the WRC calendar. Aaron Johnston also joins, looking to leverage his past successes in the rally.

Josh McErlean and Eoin Treacy are set to participate in their third World Rally Championship event of 2025 at the renowned Safari Rally Kenya this weekend. Representing the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy, this duo heads a three-car charge with the M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1 following commendable performances in previous rallies in Monte-Carlo and Sweden. The Safari Rally introduces gravel terrain into the season, which contrasts with future gravel events on the WRC calendar.

The Safari Rally Kenya is notorious for its challenging conditions, including rugged landscapes, feared fesh-fesh, and misleading water splashes. This event will rigorously test both the vehicles and their crews. Both McErlean and Treacy previously experienced the demanding nature of the Safari, having participated in the East African Safari Classic Rally towards the end of 2023 in a Porsche 911, which likely provided valuable insights into local challenges.

McErlean reflected on the unpredictability of the rally: “I’ve said it about every rally so far this year, but this event is so unique, it’s hard to fully know what to expect.” He approached his debut in Rally1 with caution during the icy stages of Rally Monte-Carlo, earning M-Sport’s first championship points this year. His performance continued with promising speed in Rally Sweden, which culminated in their first overall win in Ireland’s National Rally Championship.

Additionally, Aaron Johnston, another Motorsport Ireland representative, will participate in his fifth Safari Rally Kenya. A seasoned co-driver for Toyota, Johnston boasts two podium finishes in past events alongside Takamoto Katsuta. He enters this year’s competition on a high note following a strong second-place finish in Rally Sweden. The Safari Rally consists of 383 kilometers of racing, starting with a shakedown on Wednesday morning and featuring two competitive stages on Thursday afternoon. The event includes a total of 21 stages, making it one of the most formidable challenges on the 2025 WRC calendar.

In summary, the upcoming Safari Rally Kenya represents a significant event within the 2025 World Rally Championship, showcasing racers like Josh McErlean, Eoin Treacy, and Aaron Johnston. With unique challenges presented by its tough terrain and weather conditions, this edition promises to be particularly demanding. The athletes’ previous experiences in similar conditions may provide them with strategic advantages in navigating the intricacies of the rally.

Original Source: www.northernsound.ie