NEW DELHI: In a significant achievement for Indian motorsport, Hyderabad-based rally driver Naveen Puligilla, along with experienced co-driver Musa Sherif, secured a podium finish in the WRC3 category at the Safari Rally Kenya 2026, the third round of the FIA World Rally Championship.
Competing in one of the most demanding rallies in the world, the Indian duo finished third in the WRC3 class while also clinching second place in the African ARC3 category. In the overall standings, which included higher-class cars, they were placed 24th with a total time of 5 hours, 22 minutes, and 17.9 seconds.
The Safari Rally, known for its punishing conditions, tested the competitors with rocky terrain, deep ruts, unpredictable weather, and the notorious fesh-fesh dust. Despite these challenges, Puligilla and Sherif showcased resilience and consistency across the event.