Indian Duo Makes History in Safari Rally Kenya

Naveen Pulligilla and Musa Sherif form the first all-Indian team to participate in and win the RC3 Kenyan National Rally Championship, held during the Safari Rally Kenya 2025. The duo led a Ford Fiesta Rally3 car but faced mechanical issues, ultimately securing the Kenyan Rally Championship title.

Hyderabad native Naveen Pulligilla and Kasargod's Musa Sherif have etched their names in history by becoming the first all-Indian team to compete and win the RC3 Kenyan National Rally Championship, part of the esteemed World Rally Championship (WRC). The duo navigated the challenging Safari Rally Kenya 2025 in a Ford Fiesta Rally3, representing Africa Eco Motorsport.

While they were in the lead in the WRC3 class with just two stages remaining, their ambitious run was abruptly halted by mechanical issues with the car's lower arm, forcing them to withdraw from the race. Despite this setback, they had already secured the Kenyan Rally Championship title after 19 grueling stages.

The Safari Rally Kenya is notorious for its arduous terrain. Despite the obstacles, Naveen and Musa's impressive performance saw them staying within three minutes of WRC's top contenders. This historic participation sets a precedent for future Indian teams in international rally championships.

(With inputs from agencies.)