The Safari Rally is renowned as the toughest test on the FIA World Rally Championship calendar – certainly not one for the faint-hearted nor for those feeling under-the-weather, which makes Gus Greensmith’s awesome heroics on last weekend’s gruelling event all the more valiant. 

Despite suffering a nasty stomach bug on the eve of the rally, the resolute 27-year-old British driver battled though the severely energy-sapping illness not only to take top honours in the WRC2 category but also a very creditable sixth position overall. 

“For sure, I was happy to see the end of the rally,” admitted the relieved Toksport Skoda ace at the finish. “It wasn’t too bad on Friday morning but, after the lunchtime service, it was terrible in the afternoon – it was the sickest I ever been in a rally car. There were times when I wasn’t quite sure if we could carry on but I stuck at it and clearly it was worthwhile. 

“I learnt the true meaning of the Safari Rally: extreme terrain, wild animals and some rather unexpected illness. We persevered and delivered what in my opinion was our most dominant performance yet. It was a brilliant way to start my season,” he grinned. 

Having overcome the odds to get their 2024 campaign off to the perfect start with maximum points in Kenya, Greensmith and co-driver Jonas Andersson will be eager to improve on last year’s second-place in the fiercely-fought WRC2 championship. Next up the pair are expected to contest the WRC event in Croatia later this month but they won’t be registered to score WRC2 points. 

“There are five or six crews that can fight for the title, so it’s going to be very competitive,” confirmed the now recovering Greensmith. 

Image: Red Bull Content Pool