On Wednesday, Toyota Gazoo Racing announced that Rovanperä will be behind the wheel of the Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 car at Safari Rally, scheduled for the end of March. The registration for the event closed on Monday.
Having clinched the world championship in the previous two seasons, Rovanperä will participate in only about half of this season’s events. He kicked off his season in Sweden nearly two weeks ago, where he retired from the lead. The Finnish star eventually managed to secure 11 championship points for his team on the final day of the competition.
Rovanperä has performed exceptionally well in the iconic Safari Rally in recent years. In 2022, he claimed victory, and last year, he competed for the top spot against his teammate, Sebastien Ogier. The French veteran ultimately finished first, edging out Rovanperä by 6.7 seconds.
This year’s Safari Rally will once again take place around Lake Naivasha, but with a significant change from the previous years. Previously held around midsummer in June, this year’s event moves to the rainy season.
The premier class of the Safari Rally will feature two Finns, as Hyundai has previously confirmed that Esapekka Lappi will drive the team’s third Rally1 car in the competition.
The list of entrants will be announced on Monday, March 4, with the Safari Rally kicking off on March 28.
