Hyderabad, March 18 -- Hyderabad-based rally driver Naveen Puligilla, along with seasoned co-driver Musa Sherif, secured a podium finish in the WRC3 category at the iconic Safari Rally Kenya 2026, the third round of the FIA World Rally Championship.

Competing in one of the toughest rallies in the world, the Indian duo finished third in WRC3 class and second in the African ARC3 class, according to a release.

Clocking a total time of 5 hours, 22 minutes, 17.9 seconds, they were placed 24th overall, in the common field where higher-class cars also competed.

Their effort came against extreme conditions, including punishing rocky terrain, deep ruts, unpredictable weather, and the famed African fesh-fesh dust that tests both machine and driv...