Kalle Rovanperä emerged victorious at World safari rally (WRC) title held today in Naivasha, Nakuru county.
The Finish international commanded the lead in 1 minute and 37.8 seconds to mark his 12th career victory that he navigated by Jonne Halttunen.
His flawless performance, coupled with the reliability of his Toyota GR Yaris, propelled him to the top of the leaderboard, where he remained unchallenged until the final stage.
The Toyota Gazoo Racing team celebrated a double podium finish as Takamoto Katsuta secured second place, securing vital points for the team’s manufacturers’ championship bid. Meanwhile, Adrien Fourmaux of M-Sport Ford Puma clinched his second consecutive podium, demonstrating his prowess in the fiercely competitive field.
Reflecting on his victory, Rovanperä expressed his gratitude to his team and emphasized the significance of the Safari Rally in Toyota’s storied history. “It’s always special to win here,” Rovanperä beamed. “Also, a legendary event for Toyota. We’ve always been so good here and that’s continuing. Like they say in Africa: the car in front is always a Toyota!”
“A big thanks to the team, everybody made a big effort to make the car work so well. I think me and Jonne did a good job, I don’t think you can have a better Safari Rally than we did. No issues, clever driving and I think it was a good effort.”
Elfyn Evans, initially in contention for a podium finish, faced setbacks during Saturday’s stages, relegating him to fourth overall. Despite challenges, Evans remains second in the drivers’ championship, trailing leader Thierry Neuville, who endured a tumultuous week aboard his Hyundai i20 N.
Neuville shared his sentiments, acknowledging the enduring allure of Safari Rally Kenya. “This event always presents unique challenges,” said Neuville. “It’s a test of skill and endurance, and to finish is an achievement in itself.”
Safari Rally Kenya, renowned for its demanding conditions and breathtaking scenery, once again tested the mettle of the world’s finest rally drivers. With Rovanperä’s triumph, the event added another chapter to its rich legacy, cementing its status as a cornerstone of the FIA World Rally Championship