Details Of Hyundai's Special Livery For WRC Safari Rally Featuring Kenya’s Wildlife [PHOTOS]

The Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team redesigned its rally cars, wrapping them in a striking Kenyan wildlife-themed livery, turning heads ahead of the 2026 edition of the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally Kenya.

Instead of the usual sponsor-heavy graphics, the team’s three Hyundai i20 N Rally1 machines now feature bold illustrations of some of Kenya’s most recognisable animals — including hippopotamus, giraffe, elephant, and zebra — splashed across the bodywork.

The designs sit alongside sponsor branding and the rally-themed tagline “Oh Look! Over There!”, positioned prominently on the driver and navigator door panels.

The special livery is designed as a tribute to Kenya’s global tourism appeal, often marketed under the “Origin of Wonder” branding, and will be on display as the rally roared to life on Thursday, March 12, in Naivasha, Nakuru County.

Hyundai i20 N Rally1 wrapped in livery dedicated to Kenya's iconic wildlife. /HYUNDAI MOTORSPORT

Speaking ahead of the rally, Peter Murungi welcomed the gesture by the team, describing it as a global spotlight on Kenya’s natural heritage.

“Vivo Energy Kenya, as the local Shell products marketer and distributor, welcomes the Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team to Kenya and acknowledges the team’s befitting tribute to Kenya’s tourism product through the special rally car livery,” Murungi stated.

He added: “Kenya is undoubtedly the Origin of Wonder, and we appreciate the Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team for bestowing us the honour to spotlight our wildlife globally as we wish the team success.”

Shell serves as a co-title sponsor and technical partner of the Hyundai team and has supplied lubricants to the Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team since 2014, supporting its campaigns in the FIA World Rally Championship.

The wildlife-themed cars began hitting the gravel stages as the rally commenced, with crews bracing for the notoriously punishing conditions that have made the Safari Rally one of the toughest events on the WRC calendar.

During Thursday's shakedown at the newly introduced Nawisa stage, defending world champion Thierry Neuville set the fastest pace, clocking 4 minutes 33.1 seconds on his third and final run of the 6.31-kilometre test stage. The Belgian driver’s appearance also marked his 185th start in the WRC, moving him past rally legend Sébastien Loeb on the championship’s all-time participation list.

The Hyundai outfit is fielding three cars at the rally. The first, driven by Adrien Fourmaux and navigator Alexandre Coria, was scheduled to start fourth off the line at the ceremonial flag-off.

They were to be followed by reigning WRC champions Neuville and co-driver Martijn Wydaeghe in fifth position. The team’s third entry — driven by Esapekka Lappi with navigator Enni Mälkönen — was to roll out in eighth.

The Safari Rally is renowned for its punishing terrain, with extreme heat, dust, and unpredictable weather putting both machines and crews under intense pressure.

Shell says the rally also doubles as a proving ground for its lubricants, including Shell Helix Ultra, which the company tests under the brutal rally conditions before transferring the technology to everyday road cars.

Hyundai i20 N Rally1 in action during the 2026 WRC Safari Rally on March 12, 2026.