Patel returns to the Safari Rally after a disappointing outing in 2021.
The 2022 Kenya National Rally Champion Karan Patel is banking on his exemplary preparations to post a decent performance as he takes on a tough field in the upcoming WRC Safari Rally scheduled for Thursday 22 to Sunday 25 June.
Patel will be competing in the WRC2 category and he will be up against some of the greatest rally drivers from all over the world. The category has attracted Swedish-Norwegian rally Oliver Solberg who will be keen to mark his first victory on Kenyan soil.
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2022 KNRC winner Karan Patel will spearhead Kenya’s quest for glory in WRC Safari Rally
Patel will also enjoy the company of fellow countrymen who will also be fighting for top honours. Carl Tundo and Aakif Virani are some of the top local drivers who have entered the category.
“The car has been ready for the Safari since the Equator Rally…I have prepared well for the event and I hope things will turn out well for me. You can also do so much to prepare.
"You can only do so much to prepare and then the rest is a bit of luck. The rest is also up to the weather,” he told KBC Sport.
He failed to finish the rally during the 2021 edition of the event and will be looking to change the narrative when he comes back into the competition this year.
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Despite a disappointing outing in Italy, where he crashed out while leading, the Frenchman's spirits remain high as he looks forward to the sunshine and enjoyable conditions that Kenya offers.
Patel withdrew from the Pearl of Africa Rally last month and he has not competed in any event after that. His last event was during the Equator Rally in March where he successfully defended his title.