Kenya’s new president made the visit to Safari Rally Kenya on Wednesday, where he joined Loubet in the co-driver seat of his M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1 for a ride through the event's shakedown stage.
It was Ruto’s first experience of the WRC which has a long standing relationship with the country through the Safari Rally, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary event this year.
Loubet admitted carrying the nation’s leader through a rally stage was nerve-wracking but the Frenchman was able to deliver a true taste of the WRC to Kenya’s head of state.
“It was a very nice moment and it was not stressful at the beginning but when the security guard came to see me he told me I had to drive at 50kph,” said Loubet. “I said maybe he would not want to do that so I drove fast out so I felt a bit of responsibility.
“When the security told me to not go fast and we went fast I knew I had the biggest responsibility. It was a bit stressful but it was fine.”
Ruto was left stunned by the ride, stating: “I don’t know what to say, that thing is crazy. Absolute madness - but it is an experience you cannot forget.
“The sheer speed, you can hardly see the road, you can hardly see the bend. These guys are really professional, it’s a life-changing adventure.”
Source: Autosport