The Toyota Gazoo Racing team is poised for yet another podium finish at the Safari Rally that winds down today in Naivasha, Kenya, aiming for a 1-2-3 sweep if Japanese driver Takamoto Katsuta can outpace Ford’s Adrian Fourmax in today’s (Sunday) three repeated stages.
Now recognized as Africa’s top-performing car, Toyota seems to have mastered the gravel surfaces of the Safari Rally unlike any other team. Despite facing a delay in assembling their vehicles due to the late arrival of equipment, they appear to have selected the optimal suspension for the demanding Safari rally routes.
In last year’s WRC Safari Rally, Toyota secured the top four positions.
Quotes:
Kalle Rovanperä:
“Today has been all about managing our lead in the rally, and I believe we’ve done an excellent job so far! The conditions have been extremely challenging, requiring careful navigation around rocks and minimizing unnecessary risks. Although our lead going into the final day is over 2 minutes and 8.9 seconds, tomorrow (Sunday) is another long day, and it’s the Safari, so the race is far from over!”
Gregoire Munster:
“Unfortunately, Kenya got the better of us this morning. During the first stage of the loop, we suffered a broken rear-left suspension after hitting a rock concealed in a bush… Our day ended prematurely. We’re naturally disappointed for ourselves and the team, but we’ll regroup tomorrow to gain more experience in such complex conditions.”
Munster will return to action on Sunday, assuming the sweeping role as car number one on the road.
Conclusion:
Sunday’s finale will encompass three stages: Malewa (8.33km), Oserengoni (18.33km), and Hell’s Gate (10.5km), each traversed twice, spanning both sides of Lake Naivasha.
Authors:
By Frank Kaheesi & S. Mbabazi – Elementaita
