SA to host third round of World Rally-Raid Championship

South Africa has been selected to host the third round of the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC).

The South African Safari Rally will take place from May 18 to 24 next year.

The rally will be hosted in the North West and Limpopo provinces, and will be held in collaboration with Motorsport SA (MSA), and is endorsed by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme, as well as Amaury Sport Organisation, the promoter of the W2RC and organiser of the Dakar Rally.

“This event is going to boost tourism for South Africa, boost women in racing, generate income to grow the sport in South Africa, help create jobs in rural areas and put the country back on the map for global motorsport,” says Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie.

“In our quest to secure the return of Formula One, a successful Safari Rally will only help to strengthen our burgeoning relationship with the FIA.”

South African Rally-Raid Championship (SARRC) CEO Archie Rutherford says the announcement is “extremely exciting and a very proud moment for us as organisers of the SARRC, and the numerous South Africans competing in the Dakar Rally and other international events”.

Rutherford says the race headquarters and associated event facilities will be based at the Sun City complex adjacent to the Pilanesberg National Park.

“This unique event will feature diverse terrain, with the race route traversing some of the most stunning bushveld plateaus, river crossings and savannah plains, encompassing an exceptional experience for all in the areas of Sun City, Thabazimbi and the agricultural heart of North West.”

MSA CEO Vic Maharaj believes the announcement heralds a new era for South African Motorsport and the South African Rally Raid championship. 

“Significantly, South Africa and the SARRC have a proud reputation in the international World Rally-Raid arena. 

“With no less than 50% of vehicles competing in the iconic Dakar Rally and the esteemed W2RC events designed, developed and built in South Africa, it is fitting that we finally can host one of the rounds of this iconic championship on home ground.”

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem expressed his enthusiasm for the 2025 cross-country rally season.

“It is pleasing to see the inclusion of South Africa in the calendar, and I look forward to following the action amidst the untamed landscapes Africa has to offer.”