Kenyan rally driver Aakif Virani has hinted at the possibility of competing in the FIA African Rally Championship (ARC) this year, following a solid performance at the recently concluded Safari Rally held in Naivasha.
Competing in the WRC2 category, Virani finished eighth overall, second in the KNRC, and first in the ARC3 Masters category. He admitted that the events were challenging but expressed interest in taking on the FIA ARC.
"We had to push a little bit because the time difference between Karan and me was seven minutes. With the penalty we received on Saturday, Samman was getting closer to us. We managed the gap between Samman and us," he said.
"We take each event as it comes. One event down, and we keep moving. I think we might give ARC a go this year," added an ambitious Virani.
The driver also revealed that he missed a passage control due to the rains, resulting in a 10-minute penalty—highlighting the challenges faced during the Safari Rally, which was marred by heavy downpours.
"We just got a restart because of that. But we finished first in ARC Masters, second in KNRC, eighth in WRC2, and second in KNRC, so it’s not a bad result," he said.
Confirmed 2026 African Rally Championship dates include the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally (May 7–10) and the Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally (July 10–12).
The recently concluded 2026 Safari Rally is particularly notable as it marks the final year of Kenya's current agreement to host the Safari Rally under the FIA World Rally Championship. All eyes are now on the government, with anticipation surrounding the signing of a new three-year deal, promising three more years of Safari Rally thrills.