Sun City to Desert Dunes: SA Gears Up for W2RC Rally Drama

South Africa is preparing to host one of its most high-profile motorsport events yet, as the South African Safari Rally joins the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) calendar for the first time. The race, running from 18 to 24 May, marks Round 3 of the 2025 W2RC and is expected to draw global attention.

Presented in partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing, the event will bring world-class competitors and cutting-edge rally vehicles to local soil – many of them built in South Africa.

Locally made cars lead the charge

Motorsport South Africa CEO Vic Maharaj says the moment goes beyond racing.

“This is about showcasing South Africa’s talent, terrain, and ability to deliver events on a global scale,” he said. “More than half the competing cars are South African-built, which speaks volumes about our engineering capabilities and deep motorsport heritage. This is just the beginning – we believe hosting W2RC could pave the way for even bigger events like Formula One.”

With entries closing at the end of April, the roster of competitors is filling up quickly. SA Rally Raid Championship CEO Archie Rutherford says fans can expect a top-tier spectacle with both local stars and international giants in action.

Big names and fan favourites to headline

The race will see Botswana’s Ross Branch – the reigning FIM W2RC champion – return with his beloved “Kalahari Ferrari” under Hero Motorsports. South African rally legend Giniel de Villiers is also making a sensational comeback, stepping out of retirement to race for Team Hilux Rally Raid over the next two seasons.

On the international side, five-time Dakar Rally winner and W2RC title holder Nasser Al-Attiyah, alongside co-driver Edouard Boulanger of the Dacia Sandriders, headlines the foreign contingent. Al-Attiyah has claimed every W2RC title since the championship launched in 2022.

But he won’t have it easy. South Africa’s rising stars – Saood Variawa, Guy Botterill, Gareth Woolridge (2023 SA Rally Raid Champion), and Brian Baragwanath – are all set to challenge for the podium.

From Sun City to desert dunes

An estimated 100 participants are expected to take part in the event, which will stretch from the rugged terrain of Sun City to the remote desert dunes. With a uniquely African backdrop, the Safari Rally is poised to become a milestone in South Africa’s motorsport legacy.

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Sourced:Sowetan Live

Picture: South African Safari Rally