South Africa to host final World Rally-Raid event in 2025

South Africa has been selected to host a prestigious round of the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) in 2025. This announcement, made on the eve of the Rallye du Maroc, marks a significant milestone for South African motorsport.

The South African Safari, round three of the 2025 W2RC, is scheduled from May 18 to 24. This event will be preceded by the Dakar Rally and the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, making South Africa the final stop of the championship.

Archie Rutherford, the CEO of the South African Rally-Raid Championship (SARRC), expressed his excitement about this achievement. He attributed the success to the hard work and dedication of his team, as well as the support of Motorsport South Africa and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile.

The event will be hosted in the North West and Limpopo provinces and will feature diverse terrain, including bushveld plateaus, river crossings and savannah plains. The race headquarters will be based at the renowned Sun City complex, providing a world-class experience for competitors and spectators.

South Africa has a strong reputation in the world rally-raid arena, with a significant number of vehicles competing in the Dakar Rally and W2RC events designed and built within the country. The SARRC field is considered one of the strongest globally, reflecting the championship’s growth and success.

Rutherford concluded by expressing his anticipation for a successful inaugural W2RC event in South Africa and welcoming international teams and supporters to the country’s beautiful landscapes.

Source: South African Safari Rally and the South African Rally-Raid Championship

Photos: Dave Ledbitter