Indian Rally Duo Achieves Historic WRC3 Podium at Safari Rally Kenya 2026
In a remarkable display of skill and endurance, Hyderabad-based rally driver Naveen Puligilla, alongside experienced co-driver Musa Sherif, secured a podium finish in the WRC3 category at the iconic Safari Rally Kenya 2026. This event, the third round of the FIA World Rally Championship, is renowned as one of the toughest rallies globally, testing competitors with its extreme conditions.
Impressive Performance Against Extreme Challenges
Competing in a field that included higher-class cars, the Indian duo finished third in the WRC3 class and second in the African ARC3 class. They clocked a total time of 5 hours, 22 minutes, and 17.9 seconds, placing 24th overall in the common classification. Their achievement came against punishing rocky terrain, deep ruts, unpredictable weather, and the infamous African fesh-fesh dust, which pushes both vehicles and drivers to their limits.
Building on a Growing International Career
This result represents another significant milestone in Naveen Puligilla's burgeoning international rally career. Following his historic WRC3 class podium at Rally Saudi Arabia in 2025, Naveen has now demonstrated consistent performance at the highest level of global rallying. His performance in Kenya highlighted not only speed but also maturity, endurance, and strategic driving prowess.
Driving a Ford Fiesta Rally3 prepared by Africa Eco Sports Nairobi, Naveen, who recently became the INRC 3T Indian champion for 2025, exhibited remarkable composure across the rally's 20 special stages, covering 338.34 competitive kilometers.
Reflections from the Champions
Reflecting on their achievement, Naveen Puligilla expressed his pride, stating, "To stand on the WRC3 podium at Safari Rally is incredibly special. This rally demands respect. It's not just about speed but survival, discipline, and teamwork. Representing India and Hyderabad on this stage makes it even more meaningful. We pushed when it mattered, stayed patient when we had to, and this result is a reward for the entire team's effort."
Co-driver Musa Sherif emphasized the importance of precision and experience in navigating the rally's unpredictability, particularly during changing weather threats that added to the challenge.
Key Highlights of the Achievement
- Category Finish: Third place in WRC3 class, second in African ARC3 class.
- Overall Position: 24th in a combined field with higher-class vehicles.
- Total Time: 5 hours, 22 minutes, 17.9 seconds.
- Vehicle: Ford Fiesta Rally3 prepared by Africa Eco Sports Nairobi.
- Stages: 20 special stages over 338.34 competitive kilometers.
- Previous Milestone: Naveen's WRC3 podium at Rally Saudi Arabia in 2025.
This podium finish at Safari Rally Kenya 2026 underscores the rising talent in Indian motorsport and sets a new benchmark for future competitors on the global stage.
