Virves takes WRC2 lead as Safari Rally Kenya takes its toll

Robert Virves holds the WRC2 lead at the end of a demanding day at Safari Rally Kenya. The Estonian moved to the top of the leaderboard during the afternoon loop, successfully navigating a high-speed jump on the Kedong stage to capitalize on the misfortune of his rivals.

Early category leader Gus Greensmith saw his advantage evaporate due to a series of setbacks. The Briton struggled with engine power loss, front-right tyre damage, and persistent gearbox difficulties, forcing him to adopt a conservative pace to ensure he finished the day's final stages.

Fabrizio Zaldivar sits in third place, managing to maintain his podium position despite stall and clutch issues during the closing tests. Diego Domínguez and Andreas Mikkelsen follow in the standings, with Mikkelsen showing flashes of pace despite being hindered by a costly tyre deflation earlier in the leg. Karan Patel rounds out the top six as the field heads back to the Naivasha service park.