Reigning WRC3 champion Nikhil Sachania and his co-driver Deep Patel are intensifying their mental and physical preparations ahead of the legendary Safari Rally in Naivasha, aiming to defend their crown amidst new, gruelling stage additions.

The renowned Kenyan ace is leaving nothing to chance as he prepares his Ford Fiesta Rally3 machine for the punishing tracks set for March 13 to 15, 2026.

This fierce preparation underscores the sheer magnitude of the Safari Rally, globally revered as one of the toughest tests of endurance in motorsport. For Sachania, the stakes are exceptionally high; defending a world championship title requires flawless execution, unparalleled resilience, and a profound mastery of Kenya's most unforgiving landscapes.

Conquering the Unforgiving Terrain

When the dust finally settled at the 2025 Safari Rally, Sachania stood tall atop the WRC3 standings, clinching the overall crown with a commanding cumulative time of 7:04:36.9. However, the 36-year-old champion is acutely aware that resting on past laurels is a recipe for disaster in the rallying world. The introduction of fresh stages this year injects an added layer of complexity to an already brutal examination of man and machine.

The Safari Rally is notoriously ruthless, with natural hazards waiting to claim victims at every turn. Competitors must navigate treacherous rocky outcrops, deep unpredictable ruts, and the infamous Kedong 'fesh fesh'—a treacherous expanse of fine volcanic dust that swallows tyres whole and reduces visibility to absolute zero. It is within these blinding clouds that championships are won and lost, demanding supreme concentration and absolute trust between driver and navigator.

“We are aiming to defend our title this year. The competition is incredibly strong, and we know it won't be easy," Sachania noted in a recent briefing. "Above all, our primary objective is to complete the rally intact.”

Preparation Beyond the Service Park

To conquer the Naivasha wilderness, Sachania firmly believes that preparation must extend far beyond mechanical tuning in the service park. The physical toll of enduring hours inside a sweltering, violently shaking cockpit requires peak athletic conditioning.

The team's comprehensive preparation strategy involves several critical components:

• Endurance Conditioning: Rigorous physical training to withstand the intense g-forces and extreme cabin temperatures during long liaison sections.
• Pace Note Refinement: Countless hours spent with co-driver Deep Patel analyzing route data to ensure absolute precision in navigation.
• Vehicle Durability: Dialling in the suspension and reinforcing the undercarriage of the Ford Fiesta Rally3 to absorb the brutal impacts of the Kenyan terrain.

The synergy between Sachania and Patel will be tested to its absolute limit. Their ability to quickly adapt to rapidly changing weather conditions—from scorching heat to sudden torrential downpours that transform dust into slick mud—will be the ultimate deciding factor.

A Trailblazer for Global Inclusivity

Sachania heads into this year's showdown not just as a defending champion, but as a pioneering trailblazer. As the sole paraplegic driver currently competing in the World Rally Championship, his presence on the global stage is profoundly inspiring. He recently amplified his impact by joining the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) Accessibility and Disability Commission.

In this prestigious role, he offers invaluable insights from the perspective of a disabled driver based in Africa, actively working to tear down barriers and make motorsport more universally inclusive. His dual mission—to conquer the Naivasha dirt and champion accessibility—elevates his Safari Rally campaign beyond mere sport.

As the clock ticks down to the flag-off at 10:00 EAT on March 13, the entire nation prepares to rally behind their homegrown hero. Sachania remains focused and unyielding. “I hope my journey can help other drivers around the world, especially those living with disabilities, to truly believe that there is a definitive space for them in this sport,” he powerfully concluded.