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Thierry Neuville labels the 2023 Safari Rally Kenya as “probably the toughest rally ever seen.” Brutal conditions wreak havoc as competitors struggle through mud and rocks, leading to multiple retirements, including heavyweights Oliver Solberg, Sébastien Ogier, and Elfyn Evans. Organizers cancel two stages due to deteriorating roads, complicating medical access. Neuville capitalizes on the top drivers’ misfortunes, moving into second place but battles overheating issues with his Hyundai i20 N. Resourceful teams source water from puddles to keep radiators clear. A double puncture and broken driveshaft ultimately end Neuville's run in stage 14. Toyota's Juha Kankkunen, a Safari veteran, expresses shock at the high attrition rate. Hyundai's sporting director Andrew Wheatley acknowledges the rally's extreme nature, emphasizing its challenge for reliability over speed.
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