Katsuta moves into Safari Rally lead after Toyota team setbacks

Toyota Gazoo Racing’s dominant grip on Safari Rally Kenya collapsed following a disastrous morning loop. While Oliver Solberg and Sébastien Ogier completed the grueling Sleeping Warrior stage, both drivers were forced to retire on the return liaison to the Naivasha service park due to alternator and transmission issues triggered by thick mud. These retirements follow the earlier withdrawal of Elfyn Evans, who exited the rally after sustaining rear-right suspension damage.

Deputy team principal Juha Kankkunen noted that the extreme, sticky mud conditions proved difficult for the machinery, causing debris to impact vital components. With three of its drivers sidelined, the manufacturer's hold on the top positions has been eliminated.

As a result, Takamoto Katsuta has inherited the overall lead. The Japanese driver, who had navigated the morning conservatively after running out of spare tires, now holds a buffer of over one minute against Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville and Adrien Fourmaux.