Sachania conducts second test in Stoni Athi ahead of the Safari Rally

Nikhil Sachania has stepped up preparations for the 2026 Safari Rally Kenya after conducting his second test session at Stoni Athi, fine-tuning his Ford Fiesta Rally2 ahead of the grueling World Rally Championship round scheduled for March 12–15 in Naivasha.

The 2026 edition marks a significant shift as the rally drops its traditional Nairobi ceremonial start to focus entirely on the unforgiving terrain surrounding Lake Naivasha.

Crews will tackle 20 special stages spread across four demanding days, in what promises to be one of the toughest tests on the WRC calendar.

Sachania, who will compete in the WRC2 category behind the wheel of a Ford Fiesta Rally2, said the latest test was critical in ensuring the car is fully dialed in for Safari’s brutal conditions.

“Safari Rally is like no other event on the calendar. The terrain is rough, unpredictable, and extremely demanding on both the car and the crew.

"We are ensuring that the car is fully ready to withstand the punishment. Every test session is about refining performance, reliability, and building confidence ahead of Naivasha,” said Sachania.

His navigator, Deep Patel, echoed the confidence after the Stoni Athi shakedown, emphasizing the importance of preparation and teamwork as they headed into the four-day spectacle.

“The key for us is preparation and precision. With 20 special stages, consistency will be everything. We’ve been working on our pace notes, communication, and overall strategy. The goal is to stay clean, stay competitive, and maximize every stage,” said Patel.

Sachania is part of the formidable KCB Racing Team contingent that will also feature Karan Patel, Queen Kalimpinya, Oscar Ntambi, and Tinashe Gatimu.

The team heads into Safari Rally Kenya, determined to make a strong statement on home soil as the third round of the 2026 WRC season roars into Naivasha.