Naveen-Musa pair script WRC3 podium finish at Safari Rally Kenya 2026
Hyderabad, March 18
Hyderabad-based rally driver Naveen Puligilla, along with seasoned co-driver Musa Sherif, secured a podium finish in the WRC3 category at the iconic Safari Rally Kenya 2026, the third round of the FIA World Rally Championship.
Competing in one of the toughest rallies in the world, the Indian duo finished third in WRC3 class and second in the African ARC3 class, according to a release.
Clocking a total time of 5 hours, 22 minutes, 17.9 seconds, they were placed 24th overall, in the common field where higher-class cars also competed.
Their effort came against extreme conditions, including punishing rocky terrain, deep ruts, unpredictable weather, and the famed African fesh-fesh dust that tests both machine and driver to the limit.
The result marks yet another significant milestone in Naveen's growing international rally career. Building on his earlier historic WRC3 class podium at Rally Saudi Arabia in 2025, Naveen has now demonstrated consistency at the highest level of global rallying, the release said.
His performance in Kenya underlines not just speed, but maturity, endurance, and strategic driving.
Driving a Ford Fiesta Rally3 prepared by Africa Eco Sports Nairobi, Naveen, who recently became the INRC 3T Indian champion for 2025, displayed remarkable composure across the 20 special stages spread over 338.34 competitive kilometres.
Reflecting on the achievement, Naveen said, "To stand on the WRC3 podium at Safari Rally is incredibly special. This rally demands respect. It's not just about speed but survival, discipline, and teamwork. Representing India and Hyderabad on this stage makes it even more meaningful. We pushed when it mattered, stayed patient when we had to, and this result is a reward for the entire team's effort."
Co-driver Musa Sherif also added that precision and experience were key to navigating the rally's unpredictability, even during changing weather threats.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Amazing news to wake up to! Consistency is key, and back-to-back WRC3 podiums in Saudi and now Kenya is no small feat. His quote about "survival and discipline" says it all. Wishing him and Musa many more successes. The future of Indian rallying looks bright!
Great result, but we need to see more support from corporate India and the government for our athletes in niche sports like rallying. Imagine what Naveen could achieve with the kind of backing a cricketer gets. Hope this podium attracts more sponsors for him and others.
As someone who follows global motorsport, this is huge. The Safari Rally is a monster. Finishing 24th overall in a mixed field with more powerful cars is seriously impressive for a Rally3 machine. That fesh-fesh dust is no joke. Kudos to the entire team!
Incredible driving. The partnership with an experienced co-driver like Musa Sherif is clearly paying off. In rallying, the co-driver is half the battle, especially on an event like this. Well done to both!
So proud! 🎉 From Hyderabad to the world stage. It's inspiring for young drivers here. Hope schools and colleges start recognizing motorsport as a serious career path. Jai Hind!
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