Yassin Nasser Shines with Podium Finish at WRC Kenya

Tanzania's Yassin Nasser Celebrated for Podium Finish at WRC Kenya Rally

Nairobi, March 24, 2025 – Tanzanian rally driver Yassin Nasser earned widespread praise following a remarkable third-place finish at the World Rally Championship (WRC) event held in Kenya over the weekend.

Navigated by Ugandan co-driver Ally Katumba, Nasser demonstrated exceptional skill behind the wheel of his Ford Fiesta, placing third in the regional standings—behind Kenyan drivers Jeremiah Wahome and Carl Tundo—and 16th overall in the global WRC rankings.

“Congratulations Moil Team, You did it,” said Hidaya Kimanga, an official from the Iringa Motor Sports Club, commending the team's impressive performance.

The achievement drew further acclaim from Satinder Birdi, Chairman of the Tanzania Motorsports Commission, who represented the Automobile Association of Tanzania at the event. Birdi lauded Nasser’s outstanding drive, describing it as a performance that significantly elevates Tanzania’s stature on the international motorsports scene.

Nasser and Katumba completed the grueling course in 6 hours, 37 minutes, and 19 seconds, securing third place overall in the African Rally Championship (ARC) category.

In the ARC standings, Kenya's veteran driver Carl Tundo, alongside navigator Tim Jessop, claimed victory with a time of 5 hours, 29 minutes, and 32 seconds, also finishing 14th in the WRC rankings. Jeremiah Wahome took second place, clocking in at 5 hours, 49 minutes, and 32 seconds.

Rounding out the ARC top five were:

• Vohra Singh – 4th place (6:37:19)

• Nikhil Sachania – 5th place (6:53:59)

• Minesh Rathod – 6th place (7:03:36)

At the global level, Elfyn Evans of Toyota Gazoo Racing secured back-to-back victories by winning the Safari Rally Kenya, further tightening his grip on the WRC title race. Fresh off a win in Sweden, Evans overcame the rugged Kenyan terrain to triumph with a lead of 1 minute and 9.9 seconds.

“I want to say thank you to everyone in Kenya for a very warm welcome. An amazing rally, I have to say. Huge well done to the team – they did an amazing job, and I’m proud to be a very small part of Toyota’s history on this incredible rally,” said a jubilant Evans following his win.

Ott Tänak of Hyundai, who led the rally on Friday, capitalized on competitors’ misfortunes to secure second place overall. His teammate Thierry Neuville, despite enduring several penalties, maintained composure to finish third—marking Hyundai’s best-ever combined result in Kenya.

Sami Pajari took fourth place, after teammate Takamoto Katsuta suffered a roll during the power stage, ending his hopes for a finish. Gregory Munster, despite battling mechanical issues, rounded out the global top five.

The WRC Safari Rally Kenya once again delivered high drama, unpredictable conditions, and breakout performances—none more inspiring than that of Tanzania's rising motorsport star, Yassin Nasser.