The 2026 FIA World Rally Championship season gets underway from March 12–15 in Kenya with the demanding Safari Rally, the opening round of the calendar.
For Diego Domínguez and Rogelio Peñate, it marks the start of their second WRC2 campaign after a 2025 season focused on learning and adapting to the category. The Paraguayan driver heads into the new year with increased experience and the objective of taking a step forward and establishing himself among the frontrunners in the championship.
The duo will once again compete behind the wheel of the Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 under the MSi Racing Team WRC structure, in what promises to be a key season for consolidating their position on the international stage.
Diego Domínguez (DRIVER): “We’re starting our second season in WRC2 with a lot of enthusiasm. Last year we learned a lot, and we hope to put that into practice this season, starting with a strong result”.
Rogelio Peñate (CODRIVER): “Excited about the start of the season at a rally we really like and know very well. We’re hoping for a good result to start the year and can’t wait for Thursday to arrive so we can be at the first stage”.
Teo Martín (TEAM MANAGER): “It’s the start of a new chapter, and the team is very motivated. Diego Domínguez and Andrea Lafarja arrive at this rally full of enthusiasm. We know it will be a tough rally, but we’re excited and ready for the challenge”.
Safari Rally Kenya will also mark an important milestone in the sporting career of Andrea Lafarja and Germán Maune, who will contest their first FIA World Rally Championship event in Kenya.
After several years competing in South America, the Paraguayan driver begins her international campaign entered in WRC2 Challenger and will also contest a full season in WRC Masters throughout 2026.
Like Domínguez–Peñate, they will compete in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 within the MSi Racing Team WRC structure, facing one of the toughest and most iconic events on the world championship calendar for the first time. The 2026 route will be entirely based around the Naivasha area and will feature 350.52 competitive kilometres.
Action begins on Thursday with the shakedown stage in Nawisa, before the official start of the rally.
Andrea Lafarja (DRIVER): “Very excited to begin this adventure. We know it’s only the beginning and that we still need to adapt to the car, but we’re really eager to give it our all here in Kenya”.
German Maune (CODRIVER): “I’m really excited to start this new adventure. We know it’s still just the beginning and that we need to get used to the car, but we’re eager to learn, improve, and make the most of this experience in Kenya”.