Solberg targets Safari podium after flying shakedown

Hyundai's Thierry Neuville during the Shakedown/ WRC 

After a successful shakedown on Thursday morning at Nawisa (6.31km), Swedish star and Toyota Gazoo Racing driver Oliver Solberg is confident of mounting a podium challenge at this year’s iconic Safari Rally.

Solberg clocked 4:34.9 to post the second-fastest time during the shakedown, laying down an early marker ahead of the gruelling stages that await across the rally weekend.

‎Belgian ace Thierry Neuville of Hyundai topped the timesheets with a blistering 4:33.1, while Sami Pajari from Toyota slotted into third after stopping the clock at 4:35.3.

‎Following the morning run, Solberg expressed optimism about the days ahead, setting his sights firmly on a podium finish if everything falls into place.

‎“Its very important to have a good run in this rally. The objective is to have a good weekend and stay out of trouble,” Solberg said.

‎“A podium for me would be fantastic, if I will, it will be a dream come true,” he added.

‎However, the young Swede was quick to acknowledge the fierce challenge expected on Kenya’s unforgiving terrain.

‎“For me, this will be one of the roughest rallies because of all the rain, all the rocks on the roads, holes and bumps,” he noted.

‎“It will probably be one of the most demanding years so far. The conditions make it a classic Safari Rally.”

‎With the legendary African rally renowned for testing both machine and driver, Solberg emphasised that a smart and disciplined approach will be crucial to making it through the marathon event unscathed. ‎“Its a long rally, so you have to be clever and see what's possible.”

‎Meanwhile, Finnish driver Esapekka Lappi of Hyundai, who placed sixth with a time of 4:36.6 in the shakedown, is equally bullish about his prospects heading into the demanding weekend. ‎“There is a chance to be successful because of the conditions; it's not about performance.”

‎Lappi pointed to the punishing terrain and unpredictable weather as factors that could level the playing field for drivers willing to adopt a measured approach.

‎“The conditions are very demanding, and maybe performance is not the most important thing, so we may have a better chance here.”

‎“I'll try to drive slow and do my best,” he said. Japanese driver Takamoto Katsuta, who boasts valuable Safari Rally experience, finished eighth overall after posting a time of 4:37.5 during the shakedown.

‎Katsuta is hopeful that the Toyota Gazoo Racing team can mount another strong charge and successfully defend their Safari crown. ‎“We'll see if we can try to defend our Safari title.”

‎He also admitted that the field will feel the absence of two-time Safari Rally champion and Toyota Gazoo teammate Kalle Rovanperä, who will miss this year’s edition.

‎“Kalle is my best friend, but we are keeping in touch and talking about what's going on.”