What a race! It is difficult to define the Safari Rally Kenya which was, as expected, extremely demanding, with many crews in difficulty during the entire weekend. With a seventh Ogier more than two minutes after a problem on Friday morning, but he was able to recover with great commitment and experience.
He was third at the start of the final day, consisting of short but very demanding timed trials. Already in the first phase of the day, Neuville had to abandon the race due to the rupture of the right rear shock absorber and Katsuta took the lead of a rally for the first time, with Ogier behind him. Yaris were in the lead and fought to the end for the victory.
Eventually Ogier used all his experience to take the overall victory, followed by his Japanese teammate. This is Toyota’s fourth double of the season and Toyota’s ninth win in Safari Rally history.
And close the podium, Tanak author of the best time on the Power Stage which has already allowed him to bring home the maximum points to be won.
Driver and constructor rankings
The drivers’ classification sees the reigning world champion excel, Ogier who is now at 133 points, 34 ahead of team mate Evans, who remains second in the standings at 99 points. Third in the standings Neuville with 77 points, followed by Tanak at 69, Katsuta at 66 and Rovampera at 56 points. The constructors’ classification sees Toyota in the lead with 273 points, followed by Hyundai with 214 and Ford with 109 points. The next round of the World Rally Championship will be from 15 to 18 July at Rally Estonia.
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