Indian duo Naveen Puligilla, Musa Sherif target WRC3 success at Safari Rally Kenya
Hyderabad : Indian rally driver Naveen Puligilla and co-driver Musa Sherif will compete in the WRC3 category at the WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2026, the third round of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), scheduled from March 12 to 15.
Puligilla, from Hyderabad, and Sherif, from Kasaragod, aim to replicate their podium success after finishing second in WRC3 at Rally Saudi Arabia in November 2025.
Return to Kenya after landmark WRC3 podium
The Indian duo will contest the iconic African rally for the third consecutive year. The event is held around Naivasha and is regarded as one of the toughest rallies in the world.
Puligilla recently secured the 3T class National championship after winning the Nashik rally. He will drive a Ford Fiesta Rally3 prepared and serviced by Africa Eco Sports Nairobi.
Sherif, a seasoned navigator with over 33 years of rally experience, will handle pace notes for the Hyderabad driver.
In 2025, the pair became the first Indian duo to finish on the podium in any WRC class when they secured second place in WRC3 at Rally Saudi Arabia.
Tough African terrain awaits crews
The Safari Rally Kenya features 20 Special Stages covering a competitive distance of 338.34 km within a total rally route of 1,205.46 km.
The stages include rough tracks, deep dust known as fesh-fesh, large rocks and possible wildlife crossings, all of which make the rally particularly demanding.
“The Safari is the ultimate test of man and machine,” Puligilla said. “Starting the Safari again is a proud moment for us. Our previous experience has taught us the importance of patience and survival.”
He added that the team’s Ford Fiesta Rally3 and the local expertise of Africa Eco Sports Nairobi provide an advantage.
Rain forecast could reshape stages
Sherif said accurate pace notes would be crucial on the rough Kenyan roads.
“The roads here are extremely rough and can change after every pass, so the pace notes must be precise,” Sherif said. “My job is to keep Naveen informed and safe, especially through the notorious sections.”
He added that forecasts of heavy rain could transform the stages. Wet conditions could turn dusty surfaces into slippery and deeply rutted tracks, similar to classic Safari rallies of the 1970s.
The Safari Rally Kenya remains one of the most demanding rounds on the global motorsport calendar.
