Indian Rally Team Puligilla and Sherif Triumph at 2026 Safari Rally Kenya in WRC3
Synopsis
Hyderabad's Naveen Puligilla and co-driver Musa Sherif made headlines by securing an impressive podium finish in the WRC3 category at the Safari Rally Kenya 2026, showcasing their skills in one of the world's toughest rallies.
Key Takeaways
Naveen Puligilla and Musa Sherif achieved a podium finish in WRC3 at the 2026 Safari Rally Kenya .
The duo finished third in WRC3 and second in the African ARC3 category.
They faced challenging conditions, showcasing resilience and consistency.
Puligilla is the reigning INRC 3T Indian champion for 2025.
This achievement highlights the growing prominence of Indian motorsport.
New Delhi, March 18 (NationPress) In an impressive milestone for Indian motorsport, Hyderabad's rally driver Naveen Puligilla, alongside seasoned co-driver Musa Sherif, achieved a podium finish in the WRC3 category during the 2026 Safari Rally Kenya, marking the third stage of the FIA World Rally Championship.
In a fiercely competitive environment, the Indian duo secured a remarkable third place in the WRC3 class and also claimed the second spot in the African ARC3 category. Overall, they ranked 24th against a field of higher-class vehicles, clocking a total time of 5 hours, 22 minutes, and 17.9 seconds.
The Safari Rally, renowned for its grueling conditions, posed challenges such as rocky terrains, deep ruts, unpredictable weather, and the infamous fesh-fesh dust. Despite these hurdles, Puligilla and Sherif demonstrated exceptional resilience and consistency throughout the event.
This achievement adds yet another accolade to Puligilla’s expanding international career. Following his previous WRC3 podium finish at the 2025 Rally Saudi Arabia, this latest performance underscores his capability to maintain a high level of consistency in global rally competitions. His performance in Kenya showcased not just speed, but also strategic discipline and endurance.
Behind the wheel of a Fiesta Rally3 prepared by Africa Eco Sports, Puligilla, who is the reigning INRC 3T Indian champion for 2025, exhibited remarkable composure across 20 special stages that spanned 338.34 competitive kilometers.
Reflecting on this significant achievement, Puligilla stated, “Standing on the WRC3 podium at the Safari Rally is incredibly special. This rally commands respect. It’s not solely about speed but also survival, discipline, and teamwork. Representing India and Hyderabad on this platform makes it even more meaningful. We accelerated when necessary, exercised patience when required, and this result reflects the hard work of our entire team.”
Co-driver Sherif emphasized that precision and experience were vital in navigating the rally's unpredictability, especially with ever-changing weather conditions.
Point of View
It's clear that Puligilla and Sherif's performance at the Safari Rally is a commendable representation of India's prowess in motorsport. Their achievement not only reflects personal dedication and teamwork but also elevates Indian motorsport on the global stage.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What category did Naveen Puligilla and Musa Sherif compete in?
They competed in the WRC3 category at the Safari Rally Kenya 2026.
What was their overall ranking in the rally?
They finished 24th overall in the rally, which included higher-class cars.
What type of vehicle did they drive?
They drove a Fiesta Rally3 prepared by Africa Eco Sports.
What was Puligilla's previous achievement before this rally?
He secured a podium finish at the 2025 Rally Saudi Arabia in the WRC3 category.
What challenges does the Safari Rally present?
The rally is known for its rocky terrain, deep ruts, unpredictable weather, and fesh-fesh dust.
