Kenya’s youngster lady driver Maxine Wahome navigated by Murage Waigwa, put in assured performances to shine at the recently concluded WRC Safari Rally held in Naivasha.
Making her WRC3 debut on home soil in her new Ford Fiesta machine sponsored by Safaricom and Kenya Airways, Wahome bossed in fourteen stages clocking 5.20.21 hours to lead the all-Ford Fiesta Rally3 category which also saw her finish in the 16th position overall.
“I am very excited for finishing the rally which is among the toughest in the world. I am grateful to my team for supporting me through the preparations and the rally itself. I am also grateful to my sponsors for giving me the privilege of being the only female driver who competed and finished at this year’s WRC Safari Rally. I hope more women will compete next year and we can make history,” said Maxine Wahome.
Other WRC/FIA Rally Star Program drivers Jeremiah Wahome navigated by Victor Okundi and McRae Kimathi navigated by Mwangi Kioni in Ford Fiesta R3 finished 19th and 21st overall in a time of 5.45.49 and 5.55.59 respectively with Hamza Anwar retiring at the 18th stage due mechanical problem.
All the four drivers, who Safaricom and Kenya Airways sponsored, took part in the event as part of the FIA Rally Star Program, a global initiative that seeks to identify, train, and develop talented young drivers between 17-27 years.
Elsewhere, Kalle Rovanpera clocked 3.40.24 to become the youngest driver to win the Safari Rally after clinching victory in the sixth round of 2022 World Rally Championship in his Toyota GR Yaris. A similar Toyota GR Yaris of Elfyn Evans and Katsuta Takamoto was placed second and third overall after clocking 3.41.17 and 3.42.07 respectively.
