NAIVASHA, Kenya, March 23 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan President William Ruto hailed the safe conclusion of the 2025 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally on Sunday.

"To those who traveled from across our borders to those who joined us from within Kenya, your presence has made this rally a truly special and unforgettable experience," Ruto said in Naivasha, some 90 km northwest of the capital city of Nairobi, during the closing ceremony of the third round of the 2025 WRC season.

Organizers of the annual motorsport showpiece opened up the event to more spectators than the previous four editions since the Safari Rally was readmitted to the WRC calendar in 2021. This has brought out tens of thousands to the routes and the first-ever Rally Village at Morendat Farm in Naivasha over the last four days.

On Sunday, supporters traveling to the Hell's Gate National Park to watch the finale of the event experienced huge snarl-ups that stretched for kilometers.

"This rally, along with other major global events such as the African Nations Championship, Africa Cup of Nations, and Kenya Open, is ample demonstration that Kenya is more than capable of hosting world-class sporting events," Ruto said. "These activities are the fuel that powers the growth of our economy, and we are committed to continuing to support them."

He was present to reward the top three finishers: winner Elfyn Evans from Britain, runner-up Ott Tanak from Estonia, and Belgian world champion Thierry Neuville, who finished third. Carl Tundo, who finished 15th overall, was also awarded for being the first Kenyan finisher.

"In surmounting these challenges, you have all demonstrated the resilience, skill, and fortitude needed to prevail in what is, without a doubt, one of the most grueling, brutal and rugged motorsport fiestas in the world," the president added.

On Saturday, the Kenyan government and WRC Promoter announced they were in negotiations to extend the contract to keep the Safari Rally in the global championship beyond 2026. The current deal runs out next year after both parties agreed to extend the initial five-year contract by a year in 2024.

This year's Safari Rally featured 21 competitive stages, covering a total competitive distance of 384.86 km, the longest in the 14-round 2025 WRC. Enditem

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