L. MathekaKaran Patel: ARC was good preparation for Safari rally
Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 06.04.22. | 10:53
The WRC Safari is set for 23 to 26 June in Naivasha
Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) leader Karan Patel says winning last weekend's Africa Rally Championship (ARC) in Naivasha is good motivation ahead of the Safari Rally.
Karen Patel wins the the Equator Rally to extend his lead at the helm https://t.co/2Wa8OTrGYy
— Mozzart Sport Kenya (@MozzartSportKe) April 4, 2022
In a Ford Fiesta-R2, Patel led in four of the eight stages of the 185.32 of competitive rallying to win the event which served as the third KNRC leg and the second for ARC.
"The ARC was like a springboard for the Safari. It gave us a chance to acquaint ourselves with what is to come at the Safari so to some extent we know what to expect in the WRC," said Patel.
She was named; Tyre torturing, Most adventurous, The world's greatest motor rally, Miles of gruelling tests in the African Savannah.........and, she@wrcsafarirally is back for a genesis! The dawn of the Hybrid Era!
— Safari Rally Kenya (@wrcsafarirally) April 5, 2022
Mark your calendars! #June23rd.#wrcsafarirally pic.twitter.com/yVLAN4T6J9
He continued, "It would have been nice for some wet weather but it is indifferent to me. We enjoyed driving on the dry as we are very experienced there.
We had hoped for some rains so that we can tackle different conditions and learn something new, given the last WRC was a mix of both dry and wet conditions. However, we still have the Eldoret leg before the WRC so we likely have a chance to experience wet conditions."
Look out for the green light!
— Safari Rally Kenya (@wrcsafarirally) April 5, 2022
The Hybrid Era attracts new safety measures.
“The key message is for fans to look for the green light on the new Rally1 cars,” says FIA safety director Tim Malyon.
We can't wait to witness a Hybrid Genesis!#June23rd🏁🏁🏁 pic.twitter.com/P0DhYngLBh
Patel also bemoaned the absence of former KNRC champion Baldev Chager and defending champion Carl Tundo who gave the ARC event a wide berth.
As the WRC Safari dates approach, Patel will look to be in good form to go one better and finish at the top. Last year, Patel finished as the second-best Kenyan driver behind Onkar Rai.
