SA Safari Rally hailed as one of the best events ever staged on W2RC circuit
South Africa has not just hosted a round of the 2025 FIA and FIM World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) for the very first time – it has set a new global standard.
From the adrenaline-charged stages through North West Province’s rugged terrain to the unmatched hospitality of Sun City and the Pilanesberg safari experience, the SA Safari Rally has left an indelible mark on the international motorsport calendar. With thousands of spectators, seamless logistics, and glowing endorsements from some of the biggest names in rally-raid, South Africa’s motorsport capabilities were on full display and the world took note.
Beyond the course, South Africa’s footprint was felt across the globe. The event was broadcast in 190 territories across five continents, with over 115 media rights agreements secured including 90 broadcasters of the final programme, 21 motorsport channels, 3 news agencies and 1 inflight agency. Globally Eurosport will flight on June 10 and SuperSport’s coverage included daily highlights from 20–25 May and a final programme flighting on 30 May at 18:00, showcasing South Africa’s terrain, talent and triumph to millions of viewers.
The digital footprint was equally impressive. The W2RC’s official platforms saw over 12.5 million video and story views, with the online community growing to over 551,000 followers – an increase of 53,000 compared to the previous W2RC round.
“The South African Safari Rally exceeded all expectations,” said Archie Rutherford, CEO of the SA Safari Rally. “FIA, FIM, and ASO representatives said it was one of the best W2RC events they had ever attended. Our terrain was challenging, our navigation complex, and that’s exactly what competitors want. We’ve firmly placed South Africa on the global rally-raid map. It was a world-class event, and it will return in 2027.”
Rutherford added, “Events like this are simply not possible without the support of our sponsors, acknowledging Toyota Gazoo Racing, NWK, Clear Access, Jonsson Workwear and Ingco Tools. Their commitment helped us bring this dream to life. A heartfelt thank you also goes to the landowners who allowed us to traverse their properties and create such an incredible route. And of course, to the local community for their enthusiastic support – you brought the spirit and energy that made this event truly unforgettable.”
Rutherford confirmed the rally’s spot on the W2RC rotational calendar, meaning SA will now host the event every second year, alternating with Argentina.
Competitors were equally enthusiastic. Carlos Sainz Snr called the organisation “excellent” and the roads “demanding but enjoyable.” Sébastien Loeb described the atmosphere as “something else” and took time to go on safari. Nasser Al-Attiyah, who won two stages, summed it up best: “It’s been a great experience. We scored good points, and the event was amazing.”
For local talent, the rally was just as transformative. “It’s only my second year in the championship and my first full season, so to talk about stage wins is a big deal,” said Saood Variawa, one of South Africa’s brightest prospects. South Africa’s rally-raid legend and former Dakar Rally winner, Giniel de Villiers, added, “We’ve been pushing to host a W2RC round here for years. Finally, we did, and it was worth every moment.”
Behind the scenes, the real engine of success was the people. Over 250 local marshals, officials and organisers executed the event with exceptional precision. Safety protocols were rigorous, and the rally concluded with minimal injuries, a major achievement in such a demanding motorsport discipline.
Vic Maharaj, CEO of Motorsport South Africa, credited this success to close collaboration. “This SA Safari Rally was an outstanding success and has been hailed by drivers, teams, and governing bodies as one of the most exceptional W2RC events to date. Our sincere thanks go to the landowners, officials, and volunteers. This wasn’t just an event – it was a statement. South Africa is ready to host the world.”
Rodrigo Rocha, FIA Vice President of Sport (Africa), echoed that sentiment, calling the rally “a benchmark for excellence in global motorsport. The South African round of the 2025 World Rally-Raid Championship has been nothing short of exceptional – a world-class event delivered with precision, professionalism, and passion. From the challenging terrain to the flawless organisation, this rally stood as a benchmark for excellence in global motorsport. It is a testament not only to MSA’s capabilities but also to Africa’s readiness to host events at the very highest level of international competition.”
The final accolade came from FIM Africa President, Marco Comana. “FIM Africa is proud to celebrate the outstanding success of the recent round of the World Rally-Raid Championship hosted in South Africa. The event showcased world-class motorsport action against the backdrop of our continent’s spectacular landscapes, drawing enthusiastic support from fans and stakeholders alike. This milestone event not only demonstrated South Africa’s capability to host international competitions at the highest level, but also highlighted the strength and passion of the African motorsport community.”
But perhaps the biggest winner of the week was South Africa itself – not just as a host nation, but as a sport tourism powerhouse. Local economies across the region benefited from increased footfall, bookings, and media exposure, while global broadcasters beamed the event into millions of homes across Europe, the Middle East and Latin America.
From headline results to headline acclaim, the SA Safari Rally has done more than just take part – it has led the way.
Alexis Roland W2RC Genral coordinator Rodrigo Rocha FIA Vice President of Sport AfricaHenk and Brett Archie Rutherford 
Henk Lategan and Brett Cummings Photo credit Mileman Media 
Jorge Viegas FIM President at the SA Safari Rally SASR25_Edophoto_HelenaClancy__0274 
Rodrigo Rocha FIA Vice President of Sport AfricaSASR25_Edophoto_HelenaClancy__0326 (003)
Issued for MSA and SA Safari Rally by Cathy Findley PR