Nairobi — Belgian driver Thierry Neuville will be feeling refreshed for the battle that is this week's WRC Safari Rally after a calming weekend in the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
The Hyundai Motorsport driver said exploring the beautiful Kenyan landscape was a welcome break from the usual speed and thrill associated with being a rally driver.
"Usually for us it is all about the speed but this time round it is about exploring the beautiful Kenyan landscape...just to be out in the nature and to see the animals...and in their home. It was exciting," the 35-year-old said.
Neuville was among four top rally drivers who spent the weekend at the national reserve partaking in various fun activities such as hot air balloon safari, wildlife viewing , interactions with the local Maasai community as well as bush dinner, among other activities.
The other drivers included Welshman Elfyn Evans of Toyota Gazoo, Frenchman Nicolas Ciamin of Skoda Fabia and Luxembourg's Gregoire Munster of M-Sport.
Neuville spoke of his excitement at seeing some of the wildlife Kenya has to offer.
"It was exciting...we saw two out of the Big Five and we saw some elephants. So, it was good. If we have the opportunity, why not? (go on a wildlife safari again)...we missed out on some giraffes so it will be good to go again," he said.
The Belgian will be hoping the restful weekend is just what the doctor ordered ahead of an intensive week in which he will be keen to right the wrongs of last year's Safari Rally.
Neuville was disqualified after he was discovered to have undertaken unauthorised recce activities during the rally.
He will be motivated, however, by the fact that he has already notched one win on the WRC calendar this year -- at the Rally of Monte Carlo in Monaco in January.
A good return at this week's leg will not only benefit the Belgian but also put Hyundai in a vantage position of clinching the manufacturer's title, having seen another one of its drivers -- Finland Esapekka Lappi -- claim the Rally of Sweden last month.
Neuville, who has thus far won 19 WRC rallies in his 17-year career, was integral in Hyundai's first ever manufacturer's title in 2019, which they successfully defended the following year.
