NAIVASHA, Kenya – Oliver Solberg continues to lead the Safari Rally Kenya, the third round of the 2026 World Rally Championship (WRC), holding a slim advantage over Sébastien Ogier as the event progresses. Friday’s stages saw the Toyota driver maintain his position despite challenging conditions and a tightening leaderboard.
Solberg, piloting a Toyota GR Yaris Rally1, navigated six special stages on Friday – one was later cancelled due to inclement weather – and an additional stage in the afternoon, consistently staying at the top of the timesheets. The 24-year-old Swede, who secured a dominant victory at the Monte Carlo Rally earlier this season, is looking to extend his lead as the rally nears its conclusion on Sunday.
The competitive landscape shifted on Friday, with Toyota unable to replicate the 1-2-3-4-5 sweep they achieved on Thursday’s opening stages. Nine-time world champion Sébastien Ogier moved into second place, displacing Elfyn Evans, by a mere one second. This sets up a thrilling battle between the two Toyota drivers for the remainder of the rally. Fellow Toyota driver Sami Pajari currently sits in fourth position, while Takamoto Katsuta has dropped to seventh.
Hyundai capitalized on the changing dynamics, placing Belgian driver Thierry Neuville, the 2024 world champion, in fifth, and Frenchman Adrien Fourmaux in sixth. The Safari Rally, based in the Naivasha region of Kenya, is known for its demanding terrain and unpredictable weather, testing both driver skill and vehicle reliability.
Current Standings After Friday’s Stages
Here’s the general classification as of the end of Friday’s special stages:
- 1. Oliver Solberg/Elliott Edmondson (SWE/Toyota) – 1h33’50’’2
- 2. Sébastien Ogier/Vincent Landais (FRA/Toyota) – + 1’’0
- 3. Elfyn Evans/Scott Martin (GBR/Toyota) – +20’’5
- 4. Sami Pajari/Marko Salminen (FIN/Toyota) – +1’10’’5
- 5. Thierry Neuville/Martijn Wydaeghe (BEL/Hyundai) – +1’46’’1
- 6. Adrien Fourmaux/Alexandre Coria (FRA/Hyundai) – +1’47’’3
The Safari Rally is renowned for its unique challenges, demanding not only speed but also a strategic approach to navigating the rough terrain and unpredictable conditions. The event tests the durability of the rally cars and the endurance of the drivers and co-drivers.
Earlier in the week, the opening stages were significantly impacted by heavy rainfall, creating muddy and slippery conditions. Solberg, benefiting from a favorable road position, was able to set a blistering pace on the first stage, Camp Moran, gaining a substantial lead over his rivals. The conditions proved tough for those starting further down the order, with visibility severely hampered by misted windscreens and challenging road conditions. [1]
As the rally progresses, teams will need to carefully manage their tires and vehicle components to ensure they can complete the remaining stages. The Safari Rally is a true test of all-around rally skill, and the outcome remains uncertain as drivers prepare for the final day of competition. [2]
The rally concludes on Sunday, and all eyes will be on Solberg and Ogier as they battle for the top spot. The challenging terrain and unpredictable weather mean that anything can happen, and the final result is far from certain. Fans can follow live updates and timing information on the official WRC website. [3, 4]
Next up, the WRC season continues with the Croatia Rally, scheduled to take place from April 16-19, 2026. This event will present a different set of challenges, with smooth asphalt roads and winding mountain passes demanding precision and control from the drivers.
