The South African Safari Rally has officially begun with a 35-kilometer prologue (including 9 kilometers of timed section) in the immediate vicinity of the Sun City Resort. Though compact, the technical course set the stage for the days ahead in South Africa. In this first edition of the rally under the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) banner, local favorites claimed the spotlight: in the car category, Guy Botterill (Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa) took the win, narrowly edging out fellow South African Henk Lategan by just three seconds. On two wheels, Daniel Sanders (Red Bull KTM) continued his winning form ahead of Tosha Schareina (Honda).
Sanders leads the bikes, solid start for Olthof
Reigning world champion Daniel Sanders looked completely at ease on the South African terrain, clocking the fastest time in the RallyGP class with a 07:08.1. He was followed by Tosha Schareina (+4s), Ricky Brabec (+14s), and Adrien Van Beveren (+15s). Local favorite Bradley Cox took seventh in RallyGP.
In the Rally2 category, Michael Docherty impressed with a dominant ride. The South African rider for BAS World KTM not only set the fastest Rally2 time but also placed third overall in the combined FIM classification—beating many GP riders. Edgar Canet and Tobias Ebster followed at 5 and 11 seconds behind, respectively.
In the quad category, Gaëtan Martinez repeated his Abu Dhabi stunt by winning the prologue once again, narrowly ahead of Marek Łój (+1s) and Antanas Kanopkinas (+3s).
Dutch rider Ian Olthof began his rally with a solid and controlled ride. His time of 08:48.7 placed him 15th in the Rally2 class and 27th overall — a good launching pad for the longer stages to come. “We’re off! Today was a short 9 km prologue,” he reported.
Top 5 Bikes – Prologue
- Daniel Sanders (AUS, KTM) – 07:08.1
- Tosha Schareina (ESP, Honda) – +0:04
- Michael Docherty (RSA, KTM) – +0:08
- Edgar Canet (ESP, KTM) – +0:13
- Ricky Brabec (USA, Honda) – +0:14
Local heroes on top, strong start for the Dutch in the car category
The car win also went to South African hands. Guy Botterill earned his first W2RC victory, with Henk Lategan finishing just three seconds behind. Nani Roma (Ford) and Guillaume De Mévius (Mini) followed closely at four seconds adrift.
Some big names faced challenges: Nasser Al-Attiyah and Carlos Sainz will start the first full stage from 27th and 29th position, respectively. Sébastien Loeb made a driving error and will be tasked with opening tomorrow’s stage.
In addition to the local contenders, several Dutch crews took part in the prologue. Rients Hofstra and co-driver Wade Harris recorded the 20th fastest time in the T1.+ class in their Red-Lined Revo GTR. Dave and Tessa Klaassen, representing Dakelpack Rallysport, finished just behind in 23rd. Rik van den Brink and Gydo Heimans secured the 24th fastest time in their Century CR7-T. In the SSV class, Wouter Rosegaar joined British driver Richard Aczel as navigator; they placed 49th overall.
Top 5 Cars – Prologue
- Woolridge / Dreyer (RSA, NWM Ford) – 06:48.1
- Botterill / Murphy (RSA, Toyota) – +0:01
- Lategan / Cummings (RSA, Toyota) – +0:04
- Baragwanath / Cremer (RSA, Century) – +0:04
- Roma / Haro (ESP, Ford) – +0:05
Challenger & SSV: Navarro and Pinto display their strength
In the Challenger class, young talent Pau Navarro (BBR Motorsport) claimed his third W2RC victory, finishing three seconds ahead of Adam Kuś. In the SSV category, Alexandre Pinto showed why he’s leading the championship standings. He defeated fellow Portuguese driver Mário Franco by 18 seconds, extending his advantage in the overall ranking.
What’s Next?
Tomorrow, the rally continues with the first full stage, covering a total of 565 kilometers, including a 260-kilometer special stage. The route remains in the Sun City region and leads competitors over gravel tracks, savanna, and farm roads toward Lichtenburg. Navigation skills, technical ability, and endurance will immediately be put to the test.
