By Eddah Waithaka
Vivo Energy Kenya, the distributor and marketer of Shell-branded fuels and lubricants, has unveiled a landmark motorsport sponsorship for five crews competing in the 2025 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally.
The partnership reinforces Shell’s enduring legacy in motorsport and its dedication to nurturing local talent in Kenya’s thriving rally scene.
The sponsored crews—featuring Pauline Sheghu, Linet Ayuko, Caroline Gatimu, Tinashe Gatimu, Rajveer Thethy, Shabaz Anwar, Isa Amwari, Denis Mwenda, and Timothy Kinoti—will power their vehicles with Shell Fuel, ensuring peak performance as they tackle the rally’s notoriously demanding terrain.
Breaking Barriers and Building Legacies
The sponsorship highlights a diverse lineup of drivers poised to leave their mark on both the Africa Rally Championship (ARC) and the WRC Safari Rally.
Leading the charge is Pauline Sheghu, who will make history as the first female crew to compete in the Africa Rally Championship. Alongside her navigator, Linet Ayuko, Sheghu represents a groundbreaking moment for women in African motorsport.
“We are incredibly honored to carry the Shell colors into this historic event,” said Pauline Sheghu. “This sponsorship equips us with world-class fuel performance, giving us the confidence to tackle some of the most challenging terrain in rally racing.
Breaking barriers for women in motorsport isn’t just about participation—it’s about competing at the highest level.” The Shell-backed roster also includes the mother-daughter duo of Caroline Gatimu and Tinashe Gatimu, showcasing the deep family ties within Kenya’s rally community.
Completing the lineup is the dynamic pairing of Rajveer Thethy and Shabaz Anwar, whose technical expertise and fearless driving have made them fan favorites in the Shell Autocross Championship.
A Partnership Built on Performance
Mark Senteu, Vivo Energy Kenya’s Commercial Manager, emphasized Shell’s commitment to excellence during the sponsorship announcement. “At Shell, we believe in the perfect synergy between premium fuels and peak performance,” said Senteu.
“These crews embody the determination, skill, and passion that define both the Safari Rally and our brand values. Our fuel will provide them with the reliability and performance edge needed to conquer the notorious Safari Rally conditions.”
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Senteu also highlighted the rally’s significance to Kenya’s national identity and economy. “The Safari Rally is more than a sporting event—it’s part of our heritage and a major economic driver. Through this sponsorship, we’re not just supporting these incredible drivers; we’re investing in the future of Kenyan motorsport and the communities that make this event possible.”
Elevating the Rally Experience
In addition to backing the crews, Shell has partnered with JCB Ganatra to enhance the iconic Kasarani Super Special Stage. JCB Ganatra CEO Altaf Ganatra revealed that the collaboration has transformed the stage into a more spectacular and challenging arena, designed to push drivers and machines to their limits.
“The Kasarani Super Special Stage has always been a fan favorite, bringing the rally experience close to Nairobi,” said Ganatra. “With Shell, we’ve elevated this experience, creating a stage that showcases the raw power and precision of these incredible machines and their skilled drivers.”
The Ultimate Rally Challenge
The WRC Safari Rally Kenya has earned its reputation as the world’s toughest rally for good reason. Drivers will face scorching heat, sudden downpours, and terrain that shifts from high-speed sections to treacherous mud pits in an instant.
The infamous “fesh-fesh” dust—fine as talcum powder but destructive to engines—adds another layer of complexity. “What makes the Safari Rally special is its unpredictability,” noted Linet Ayuko. “One moment you’re pushing through thick mud, the next you’re creating dust clouds visible from kilometers away. Having Shell’s fuel and technical support gives us confidence that our engines can withstand these extreme conditions.”
A Rally Like No Other
As excitement builds across Kenya, the 2025 WRC Safari Rally promises to deliver another unforgettable chapter in its storied history. From the ceremonial start in Nairobi to the challenging stages in the Great Rift Valley, the event will test the limits of both drivers and machines.
With Shell’s premium fuels powering their dreams, Pauline Sheghu, Linet Ayuko, the Gatimu family team, and Rajveer Thethy with Shabaz Anwar are ready to make their mark on this historic event.
Backed by Vivo Energy Kenya’s unwavering commitment to excellence, their participation represents the perfect fusion of Kenya’s rally heritage and the future of the sport.
The WRC Safari Rally Kenya kicks off with the Kasarani Super Special Stage, where fans will witness the Shell-sponsored crews begin their quest to conquer Africa’s ultimate rally challenge.
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