Kenyan rally driver Tinashe Gatimu has unveiled a new Ford Fiesta R2 as she prepares for the upcoming Safari Rally Kenya.
The rally, which is part of the World Rally Championship, will take place in Naivasha between March 12 and March 15.
The new car was revealed on Thursday during an event at a hotel in Nairobi, where rally fans and members of the motorsport community gathered to see the vehicle Tinashe Gatimu will use in the competition.
The 21-year-old will again be partnered by her mother, Caroline Gatimu, who will serve as her navigator. The pair form a rare mother-daughter team in rallying as they prepare to tackle one of the toughest rallies on the global calendar.
With backing from KCB Bank Kenya, Tinashe Gatimu will be among several Kenyan drivers hoping to make an impression against international competitors during the iconic rally.
Tinashe Gatimu, who has been competing in rallying for about five years, said finishing the race remains her main focus given the demanding nature of the Safari Rally.
“This year the aim remains the same as in previous years first of all to finish. Rallying can be tough, and getting to the podium in itself is an achievement,” she said.
She added that working with her mother in the car makes communication easier because of the trust they have built over the years.
“In the rally car we trust each other, especially because I have known her all my life. She has also been a rally driver for a long time,” she said.
Caroline said navigating for her daughter has been an exciting experience, adding that rallying requires teamwork, patience and endurance, especially in tough events like the Safari Rally where simply finishing the race is a big achievement.
The Ford Fiesta R2 is expected to offer better performance and durability compared to the cars Gatimu has previously used, making it more suitable for the rough terrain and changing conditions associated with the Safari Rally.
Apart from the Safari Rally, Tinashe Gatimu’s team is also planning to compete in the African Rally Championship later this year as they look to gain more experience on the continental stage.
The Safari Rally is widely regarded as one of the most challenging events in world rallying and continues to attract top drivers from around the world while also giving Kenyan drivers a chance to showcase their talent.
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