WRC 2
Greensmith targets Safari hat-trick as WRC2 field braces for Kenya test
The WRC heads to Africa this week for Safari Rally Kenya (12 - 15 March), where the WRC2 field faces one of the toughest tests of the season across 350km of punishing gravel stages.
Few rallies demand as much from crews and machinery as the Safari. Deep fesh-fesh dust, rough rock-strewn tracks and the ever-present threat of sudden equatorial downpours mean survival can often be just as important as outright pace.
Among the favourites is Gus Greensmith, who returns aiming to extend his remarkable recent record in Kenya. The Briton has claimed WRC2 victories on the Safari in both 2024 and 2025 and arrives this year chasing a third consecutive triumph.
However, his bid will come in new machinery. After three seasons behind the wheel of Škoda’s Fabia RS Rally2, Greensmith has switched to Toyota’s GR Yaris Rally2 for his latest campaign with the RaceSeven team. Adapting quickly to the Toyota could prove decisive on an event where experience and mechanical sympathy are key.
Mikkelsen returns to action for Škoda
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Another major contender arrives in the form of Andreas Mikkelsen. The Norwegian, a two-time WRC2 champion, returns to the category with Toksport WRT in a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 after taking some time out last season. Mikkelsen’s experience and the Fabia’s proven durability on rough gravel make the pairing a formidable combination for the African classic.
The depth of the field is further strengthened by a number of rising talents. Estonia’s Robert Virves begins his 2026 campaign with Toksport WRT and arrives with growing confidence following his maiden WRC2 victory on home soil last year. M-Sport Ford’s Romet Jürgenson continues his progression, tackling the Safari for the first time in Rally2 machinery aboard a Fiesta Rally2.
Paraguay’s Diego Dominguez also begin a full WRC2 programme in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2. The 2024 WRC3 champion already has Safari experience on his résumé after securing a class victory here in 2023.
Local crews are expected to play a strong role once again. Kenyan driver Karan Patel leads the charge as the reigning African Rally Champion in a Škoda Fabia, while five-time Safari winner Carl Tundo returns in a Ford Fiesta R5 armed with decades of experience on the demanding terrain. Samman Singh Vohra, the current Junior African Rally Champion, adds further home interest.
