Is Harith Noah Ready to Shine Again at W2RC’s South African Safari Rally?

Sun City (South Africa), May 17 (NationPress) Indian rally-raid star Harith Noah is poised to make his competitive comeback in the Rally 2 category at the inaugural South African Safari Rally, set to kick off at the Sun City Resort from May 18 to 24, 2025.

This event represents Round 3 of the FIA FIM World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) 2025, marking Harith's first race back with W2RC following his injury-related withdrawal from the Dakar Rally earlier this January.

Noah, a member of the Sherco TVS Rally Factory, is returning after a premature exit from the Dakar 2025 due to a crash during the Prologue, which resulted in a fractured wrist that necessitated surgery. Despite the setback, he managed to finish the stage before medical scans confirmed the injury. Now, merely four months later, he is eager to confront the challenging South African terrain and resume his 2025 campaign, with an eye on future events and a longer-term ambition to compete fiercely in Dakar 2026.

“Post-Dakar, I required time to recuperate from my injury, but everything has gone smoothly, and I’m back to full fitness. This will be my first race since the crash, so it’s natural to feel some nerves. However, the South African Safari Rally presents a new challenge for every participant, as the route is largely uncharted. The key is to maintain composure, reacquaint myself with the bike, and tackle it one kilometre at a time,” shared Harith Noah.

The South African Safari Rally brings the W2RC to South Africa for the first time, offering a groundbreaking addition to the championship and one of the most difficult, picturesque, and varied rally routes to date. With extreme terrains and rapidly shifting climates, the Safari Rally is set to become a highlight on the W2RC calendar.

The 2025 W2RC season includes five rounds across three continents, challenging riders with a wide array of terrains and conditions. The season began with the legendary Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia, followed by the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. Now, the championship ventures into new territory with the debut of the South African Safari Rally. The concluding two rounds will take competitors to Portugal for the BP Ultimate Rally Raid in September, culminating with the renowned Rallye du Maroc in October.

Harith's return is significant not only for him personally but also for Indian motorsport. As the W2RC broadens its global presence, Indian representation in such high-profile events plays a crucial role in enhancing the country’s visibility in off-road racing.