Naveen Puligilla Achieves Podium Finish at Safari Rally Kenya 2026

Hyderabad Driver Shines at Safari Rally

Naveen Puligilla, a rally driver from Hyderabad, along with his experienced co-driver Musa Sherif, clinched a podium spot in the WRC3 category during the prestigious Safari Rally Kenya 2026, which is the third event of the FIA World Rally Championship.

The Indian pair secured third place in the WRC3 class and finished second in the African ARC3 category, as reported in an official release.

They completed the rally with a total time of 5 hours, 22 minutes, and 17.9 seconds, ranking 24th overall among a mixed field that included higher-class vehicles.

Their achievement came amidst challenging conditions, featuring rugged rocky paths, deep ruts, unpredictable weather, and the notorious African fesh-fesh dust, which tests both the vehicle and the driver to their limits.

A Major Career Achievement

This accomplishment represents another important milestone in Naveen's expanding international rally career.

Following his historic podium finish in the WRC3 class at the Rally Saudi Arabia in 2025, Naveen has shown remarkable consistency at the top tier of global rallying, according to the release.

His performance in Kenya highlights not only speed but also maturity, endurance, and strategic driving.

Reflections on Performance

Naveen drove a Ford Fiesta Rally3, prepared by Africa Eco Sports Nairobi, and recently earned the title of INRC 3T Indian champion for 2025, showcasing impressive composure throughout the 20 special stages covering 338.34 competitive kilometers.

Commenting on his achievement, Naveen expressed, "Standing on the WRC3 podium at the 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 emphasized that precision and experience were crucial for navigating the rally's unpredictability, especially with the changing weather conditions.