Mozzart Bet-backed Amwari ready for Safari Rally challenge
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 12.03.26. | 18:16
Known as the toughest event on the World Rally Championship calendar, the Safari Rally blends high-speed plains, rocky tracks, deep fesh-fesh sand and unpredictable weather, making reliability just as important as outright pace
Mozzart Bet-backed rally driver Issa Amwari is among the Kenyan competitors set to take on the gruelling Safari Rally Kenya when the 2026 edition roars to life in Naivasha from March 12 to 15.
Amwari heads into the global spectacle buoyed by the backing of betting firm Mozzart Bet, support expected to strengthen his preparations as he targets a strong showing against some of the world’s best drivers in one of the toughest rallies on the calendar.
The Kenyan driver will compete in the Kenya National Rally Championship categories in a Mitsubishi Evo 10, with Dennis Mwenda serving as his navigator.
“The Safari Rally is one of the toughest rallies in the world, and preparation is everything. We have been working hard as a team to ensure the car is ready for the conditions in Naivasha, which can change very quickly,” said Amwari.
Another Kenyan driver, Ishmael Azeli, will also be in action during the rally as local crews seek to impress on home soil. Azeli will compete in the WRC2 and Africa Rally Championship categories and will be navigated by John Ngugi.
The driver has stepped up his preparations ahead of the rally and will debut a new Subaru WRX NR4, having upgraded from the Mitsubishi Evo 9 he used during last year’s edition.
“We have been putting in a lot of work ahead of this year’s rally. The team has been focused on preparing the new car and ensuring everything is in place for the demanding conditions that the Safari Rally is known for. We are grateful to White Cap for believing in our journey and giving us the support needed to compete at this level,” said Azeli.
Known as the toughest event on the World Rally Championship calendar, the Safari Rally blends high-speed plains, rocky tracks, deep fesh-fesh sand and unpredictable weather, making reliability just as important as outright pace.
At the front of the field, Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team arrives as the team to beat with a formidable lineup led by eight-time world champion Sébastien Ogier, alongside Elfyn Evans and rising star Oliver Solberg. Japan’s Takamoto Katsuta and Finland’s Sami Pajari add further depth to Toyota’s squad.
Rivals Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team will counter with defending world champion Thierry Neuville alongside Adrien Fourmaux and experienced Finn Esapekka Lappi, while M-Sport Ford World Rally Team will field the Ford Puma Rally1 driven by Irish duo Joshua McErlean and Jon Armstrong.