WRC, Sportrik Media - Adrien Fourmaux and Hyundai Motorsport managed to remain competitive during Safari Rally Kenya 2026 despite severe technical challenges affecting the i20 N Rally1 cars during Saturday’s stages. Rapid technical improvisation from the team proved crucial in keeping the cars in the rally.
The Safari Rally remains one of the most demanding events on the World Rally Championship calendar. Rough terrain, deep mud and high temperatures pushed the cooling systems of the cars to their limits. Hyundai’s three Rally1 machines suffered overheating problems and clutch damage, yet the crews were still able to nurse the cars back to the service park in Naivasha.
Hyundai sporting director Andrew Wheatley explained that the team had to react quickly during the midday service in order to send the cars back to the stages.
“You have days like this on the Safari. It’s different,” Wheatley said.
“To see all the drivers back at lunchtime and all the cars return here was incredible. Some of them had huge overheating issues and damaged clutches, and there were moments when the crews called to say they might have to stop.”
“Yet they all managed to drive back in one after another, and the entire team was working during service to get the cars back out on time and ready to compete again.”
Drivers and engineers were also forced to improvise solutions during the rally. Crews attempted temporary fixes between stages to seal openings around the bumper, helping reduce the amount of mud entering the cooling system.
Hyundai also installed a small compressor and jet-wash system in the cars to help remove mud from the radiator and cooling pack. The move followed major issues earlier in the event when mud accumulation blocked airflow and caused severe overheating.
Wheatley revealed that the equipment was sourced thanks to contacts in the service park.
“That’s the power of the service park. There are many people here working with different teams and we have good local contacts. They were working today and probably helped keep us in the rally,” he said.
Heading into the final day of the rally, Fourmaux sits second overall, trailing leader Takamoto Katsuta by 1 minute and 25 seconds. Team-mate Esapekka Lappi holds fourth place despite receiving penalties for late arrival and departure from service.
The final stages on Sunday will determine whether Hyundai’s dramatic recovery can translate into a strong result in one of the toughest rallies of the WRC season.
Baca Juga
Adrien Fourmaux bertahan di Safari Rally Kenya 2026 setelah Hyundai memasang kompresor dan jet-wash untuk mengatasi overheating mobil i20 N Rally1.
Takamoto Katsuta memimpin Safari Rally Kenya 2026 setelah pembatalan stage SS16 Sleeping Warrior 2 menjelang hari terakhir reli.
Elfyn Evans menjelaskan kerusakan suspensi belakang yang menyebabkan retire di Safari Rally Kenya 2026.
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