Karan Patel (R) and his navigator Tauseef Khan/ HANDOUT

Three-time African Rally Champion Karan Patel is already plotting another dominant campaign in 2027 after a flawless season on the continental circuit, winning all four rounds to cement his status as Africa's leading rally driver.

Navigated by long-time friend Tauseef Khan in a Škoda Fabia R5, the Kenyan sealed his third consecutive African Rally Championship (ARC) title at the Serengeti Rally in Tanzania earlier this month, finishing the season with a maximum 152 points.
Despite this remarkable achievement, Patel is hungry for more success and is determined to maintain his dominance when the new season begins. “Three African titles, and the hunger to achieve more is stronger than ever,” Patel said.
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The Kenyan swept the Safari Rally, Uganda Rally, Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally and Serengeti Rally to underline his superiority, producing a campaign that left his rivals struggling to keep pace.
“Four rallies, four victories, one African Championship. What an incredible season it's been,” he said. “This victory means so much more than just another trophy. It's the result of years of hard work, sacrifice, determination and, most importantly, the people who have believed in us along the way.”
Patel began his title assault on home soil at the WRC Safari Rally, held from March 12-15, winning in a cumulative time of 4:26:54.6. He finished well ahead of fellow Kenyan Virani, who clocked 4:43:06.7, while last year's ARC runner-up Samman Vohra was third in 4:46:47.1, completing an all-Kenyan podium.
Patel maintained his momentum at the Uganda Rally from May 7-10, winning in 2:03:06 to strengthen his grip on the championship. Vohra finished second in 2:04:44, with Uganda's defending champion Yasin Nasser third in 2:08:59.
The Kenyan continued his impressive run at the Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally, negotiating the demanding stages to win in 2:13:18.6. Tanzania's Ahmed Huwel finished second in 2:20:48.5, while Virani was third in 2:25:52.4.
With the championship title firmly within reach heading into the final round in Tanzania, Patel showed no signs of easing off, claiming another victory in 2:02:37.8 to complete his clean sweep.
Tanzania's Manveer Birdi finished second in 2:03:11.5, while Nasser was third in 2:10:28.6. Beyond his exploits behind the wheel, Patel credited Khan, his family and the wider service crew for their contribution to another successful campaign.
“To my co-driver Tauseef Khan, my dad, our entire service crew, family, friends and everyone who has contributed to this journey, thank you for giving it your all,” he said. “Proud to fly the Kenyan flag high across Africa.”
With three consecutive continental crowns secured, Patel now turns his attention to 2027, determined to extend his reign and add another chapter to his growing legacy in African rallying.