Nairobi, Kenya – (African Boulevard News) – The 70th edition of the Safari Rally Kenya came to a thrilling conclusion on Sunday, with Sebastien Ogier emerging victorious after a hard-fought battle against Kalle Rovanpera. The Frenchman had to overcome a number of challenges to claim his first Safari win, including extreme weather conditions and a fierce competition from his Toyota rival.
The race, which returned to the World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar after a 19-year hiatus, featured some of the most challenging and iconic stages in the sport. Drivers had to navigate through rough terrains, river crossings, and dusty tracks as they raced across the Kenyan bush.
Ogier, who drives for Toyota Gazoo Racing, started the final day with a 21.8-second lead over Rovanpera. However, the youngster put up a fierce fight, winning all but one of the day’s stages, and reducing the gap to just 14.8 seconds going into the final stage.
In a tense finish, Ogier held his nerve to complete the final stage in 12 minutes and 7.7 seconds, finishing 21.8 seconds ahead of Rovanpera. The victory marked Ogier’s third win of the season and extended his lead at the top of the drivers’ standings to 34 points.
“I’m really happy to win this event for the first time,” Ogier said after the race. “It’s a tough and challenging event, and we had to overcome a lot of obstacles. The team did a great job, and the car worked perfectly throughout the rally.”
The win also marked a historic moment for Toyota Gazoo Racing, which claimed a 1-2-3 finish, with Takamoto Katsuta finishing third. It was the first time in over 20 years that a Japanese car manufacturer had occupied all three podium positions in a WRC rally.
“It’s an incredible result for Toyota Gazoo Racing,” team principal Jari-Matti Latvala said. “We were facing tough competition from the other teams, but our team showed great resilience and teamwork to come out on top.”
The Safari Rally Kenya was the sixth round of the 2023 WRC season and drew thousands of spectators from across the world. The event showcased Kenya’s rich culture and natural beauty, and organizers are hopeful that it will become a permanent fixture in the WRC calendar.
