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BHA
, conquered daunting terrain, and claimed the World Rally Championship (WRC) title.
But when it comes to Safari Rally Kenya, As the third round of the WRC season looms, Neuville is eager to break his African curse and finally claim a podium – or better yet, a victory – on one of the sport’s most grueling events.
The , Neuville has never finished inside the top four. His best results? A pair of fifth-place finishes in 2022 and 2024.
A year ago, Djed Spence was struggling for suitors after flopping on loan at Leeds United from Tottenham, but his remarkable rise is now creating a tug of war for his national team services by three nations.
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Mechanical issues in 2021 and a disqualification in 2023 further add to his frustrations. And yet, despite these setbacks, Neuville insists he has the speed to win.
“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” he told ahead of the event.
“But every time something slowed us down. I mean, we know how to go fast there. We know what needs to be the approach. Now we need to have a bit the lucky hand as well.”
Neuville’s leading by almost a minute before his Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC’s suspension collapsed on the final morning.
Masoud Juma and Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy have a unique understanding that can help unlock Kenya's World Cup dream.
It was a heartbreaking end to what could have been a historic win. That year, reliability issues plagued Hyundai, and the Safari was no exception.
Since then, Toyota has asserted its dominance in Kenya, winning every edition of the rally since its return to the WRC calendar.
Hyundai,le believes this year could finally be different.
“I mean, Kenya overall, in terms of speed, we have been good,” he said.
“In terms of reliability, I mean, we had some issues over there, which are solved obviously with the propshaft. But still… yeah, for me it didn’t work well over the last years, electronic issues, fuel-pump issues. Hopefully, those are solved and I can have a clean run.”
Newly appointed Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy took charge of his first training session ahead of crucial 2026 world cup qualifiers fixtures.
A clean run is exactly what Neuville needs, especially as he fights to defend his WRC crown.
After a difficult start to the season in Monte Carlo, where he salvaged points despite struggles, he bounced back with a podium finish in Sweden. p as competitive as this one, he can’t afford another disappointing outing.
His rivals, however, will not make it easy., with reigning Safari Rally champion Kalle Rovanpera, Elfyn Evans, and Sebastien Ogier all eager to extend the team’s dominance.
But Hyundai this could be the year where fate finally swings in his favor.
The Safari Rally is no ordinary WRC round. It is a brutal test of endurance, where extreme conditions, rough terrain, and unpredictable weather play as much of a role as sheer speed.
