Finish driver Kalle Rovanpera racked up his second win of the WRC Safari rally title ahead of Toyota Gazoo Racing team-mate Takamoto Katsuta of Japan who finished second while Frenchman Adrien Fourmaux racing under Ford settled for third place.
The Finn, co-driven by Jonne Halttunen, built a lead of almost one minute after winning all of Friday’s rock-strewn stages around Lake Naivasha, then kept his nose clean to end Saturday two minutes clear as other rally drivers struggled with mechanical troubles and tyre damage.
“It is always special to win this event because it is so tough, our performance has assured that as they say in Africa, the car in front of you is always a Toyota, congratulations to my team it was a good race.’’ Said Rovanpera.
He added; “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.”
Takamoto Katstuta completed a Toyota GR Yaris 1-2 as the Japanese marque extended its manufacturers’ championship lead to four points over Hyundai Motorsport, while M-Sport Ford Puma hotshot Adrien Fourmaux bagged his second consecutive podium 47.3s behind.
“It’s a very nice feeling (to finish on the podium). It’s been a very tough weekend. I must say huge thanks to the team, they looked after the car so well. Of course some points I made mistakes and got punctures but the team did so well and honestly, reliability is one of the most important things. Thank you guys.” Reacted Katstuta.
M-Sport Ford’s Adrien Formaux continued his rich vein of form this season as he finished third here in Kenya, his second WRC podium after his heroics in Rally Sweden secured him his first WRC podium.
The Frenchman expertly navigated his Puma Rally 1 throughout the weekend and his patient approach to the Safari rally paid off tenfold as he maintained third position in the overall 2024 WRC Standings.
“I’m so pleased. I have to congratulate the team because we had no issues with the car all weekend; I am so pleased it’s working. This podium is dedicated to them.”
Toyota Gazoo racing’s Elfyn Evans finished fourth with Belgian Thierry Neuville rounding off the first five positions.
The WRC returns to asphalt for next month’s Croatia Rally which takes place from 18 – 21 April. The event is based in capital city Zagreb.