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Rally1 rookies cross continents for WRC’s iconic Safari Rally Kenya after scoring first points in Sweden
Lake Naivasha, Kenya – 11th of March 2026
Jon Armstrong and co-driver Shane Byrne cross continents this week as they take on the world-famous Safari Rally Kenya.
The Rally1 rookies head to the FIA World Rally Championship’s third round in promising form after securing their first WRC points last time out on Rally Sweden.
From Sweden’s sub-zero, snow-covered stages to Kenya’s warmth and humidity, the transition between rounds two and three epitomises WRC’s variety of competitive conditions.
Safari Rally Kenya is WRC’s first gravel event of the year and the M-Sport Ford duo’s maiden gravel rally aboard the Ford Puma Rally1. The four-day event will test both man and machine as its mix of high-speed sections, rough, rocky terrain, and the infamous fesh-fesh quicksand are unique to the savannah classic.
The Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy crew has impressed many since joining M-Sport’s top-tier line-up at the start of the year. Competitive times at an exceptionally difficult Rally Monte-Carlo and a high-paced Rally Sweden underlined their ability to challenge established Rally1 rivals.
Although Safari Rally Kenya will be Armstrong’s first rally outside of Europe, the 31-year-old is excited to take on the iconic event and has been focused on covering every detail in his preparation.
Based in Naivasha, the event is one of the longest rallies of the season, with several 20 kilometre-plus stages contributing to a competitive distance of 350 kilometres. Safari Rally Kenya starts with shakedown on Thursday morning, followed by two stages on Thursday afternoon.
Quote – Jon Armstrong
“I am really looking forward to the Safari Rally,” said Armstrong. “It is such a unique challenge – one of the championship’s true classics. Years ago, it was known as a real survival event, and although it has evolved into a more modern-style rally now, it still carries that sense of unpredictability. It will be my first time rallying outside of Europe, so experiencing a different continent, the culture, and the people is going to be cool.
“We have been practising mechanical procedures that we might need to carry out between stages, as there is always the possibility of damage on the Safari. We worked on things like steering arms and compression struts, essentially learning how to change them using only the tools we carry in the car. It’s important to understand the toolkit inside out and know how to remove and replace components quickly if needed.
“WRC’s first three events are all iconic rallies. It is brilliant to be competing at this level, and we don’t take it for granted. Safari is a bucket list rally, but once we’re there, the focus will simply be on doing the best job possible.
“With so many variables in Kenya, you have to adapt constantly and learn as you go. In some areas, where there’s space on the grassy sections, you might run a bit wider to avoid rougher lines, which is slightly different to a typical European gravel rally. It’s about balancing speed with mechanical sympathy, reading the road carefully, and knowing when to push and when to look after the car. That’s going to be the key to a good Safari Rally.”
Notes to Editors
- – Event: Safari Rally Kenya (Round 3 of the 2026 FIA World Rally Championship)
- – Location: Naivasha, Kenya
- – Schedule: Shakedown Thursday; rally runs Thursday to Sunday
- – Surface: Gravel (first gravel round of the season)
- – Competitive distance: Approximately 350 km
- – Driver / Co-driver: Jon Armstrong / Shane Byrne
- – Car: Ford Puma Rally1
- – Team: M-Sport Ford World Rally Team
- – Academy: Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy
- – Background: First WRC points scored on Rally Sweden; Safari marks first Rally1 gravel event for the crew and Armstrong’s first WRC Rally outside Europe
About Jon Armstrong
Jon Armstrong is an Irish rally driver and Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy representative competing in the FIA World Rally Championship. In 2026, he steps up to Rally1 for his first full WRC campaign with M-Sport, driving the Ford Puma Rally1 alongside co-driver Shane Byrne.
ENDS
Live updates: https://www.wrc.com/en/events/wrc-safari-rally-kenya-2026/live-updateswrc-safari-rally-kenya-2026
