Sachania banks on mental steel and physical grit for Safari title defence

Reigning WRC3 champion Nikhil Sachania and his co-driver Deep Patel believe sharpening both mind and muscle ahead of their return to the legendary Safari Rally, set for March 13–15 in Naivasha, will be key to defending their crown.

When the dust settled at the 2025 Safari, Sachania stood tall atop the WRC3 standings, clinching the overall crown with a commanding cumulative time of 7:04:36.9.

The 36-year-old Kenyan ace has his sights locked firmly on defending that title, fully aware that the chasing pack will be breathing down his neck.

Cup pressure peaks as Shabana host Kenya Police in blockbuster quarter-final Football

Upper Hill coach Walgwe unperturbed despite drawing giants in Prescott Cup group phase Rugby

‎“We are aiming to defend our title this year. The competition is strong, and we know it won’t be easy," he said. ‎"Above all, our primary objective is to complete the rally,” he added.

With the introduction of new stages this year, Sachania expects an added layer of complexity to an already brutal test.

‎Safari Rally is notorious for its unforgiving terrain, particularly Kedong’s fesh fesh, the infamous fine dust that swallows tyres whole, where thick clouds and hidden ruts test both machine and driver to the absolute limit.

It is a section that has undone many competitors, as visibility evaporates and precision becomes everything. One misjudged braking point or a moment’s hesitation can spell disaster.

‎The addition of fresh stages only heightens the intrigue, injecting new variables into an event already revered as one of the toughest on the WRC calendar, even for the world’s elite crews.

‎To conquer it, Sachania believes preparation must go beyond the service park. ‎"Our focus is on thorough mental and physical preparation, while also ensuring the car is in peak condition ahead of the rally," Sachania added.

‎That means countless hours refining pace notes with Patel, strengthening endurance for long liaison sections and ensuring their Ford Fiesta Rally3 machine is dialled in to withstand the pounding tracks of Naivasha.

‎Sachania heads into this year’s rally not just as a defending champion, but as a trailblazer.

As the only paraplegic driver competing in the WRC, he recently joined the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) Accessibility and Disability Commission, adding his voice to global efforts to make motorsport more inclusive.

‎He has been offering insights from the perspective of a disabled driver based in Africa, determined to widen the sport’s doors ‎“I hope my insights can help other drivers around the world, especially those living with disabilities, to believe that there is space for them in this sport."

‎He hopes his experience can be vital in making rallying more inclusive. ‎"If my experience can contribute to making rallying more inclusive and accessible, then I am proud to play that part,” he added.

‎Beyond the global stage, Sachania also arrives at the Safari as the reigning ARC3 champion. He sealed that title after amassing 77 points last season, finishing behind Uganda’s Yasin Nasser (135 points) and compatriot Samman Vohra (134 points) in the overall ARC standings.

‎For the upcoming Safari, he forms part of a formidable five-driver squad backed by KCB. The line-up includes two-time African Rally Champion Karan Patel, fast-rising youngster Tinashe Gatimu, Uganda’s Oscar Ntambi and Rwanda’s Queen Kalimpinya.