- 458 views
World Champion Sebastien Ogier has won the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally in Kenya.
The Frenchman trounced his Toyota Gazoo team-mate Takamoto Katsuta of Japan who finished second.
Hyundai Motorsport driver Ott Tanak (Estonia) was third while M-Sport drivers Fourmaux Adrien (France) and Gus Greensmith (Britain) finished in fourth and fifth places respectively.
Kalle Ronvapera of Finland, Onkar Rai (Kenya), Karan Patel (Kenya), Carl Tundo (Kenya), and Elfyn Evans (Britain) closed the top 10 list.
“A great win for us! After our trouble on Friday, we had a really good weekend, with a good pace and an amazing car. I want to congratulate Takamoto Katsuta: he’s made an amazing job, so well done Taka! A great result for the team!” Ogier tweeted on Sunday.
He added: “It’s been an amazing experience to be here. The support we got from the people has been incredible. Thank you so much, you have a beautiful country! Safari Rally Kenya might be a bit shorter compared to the past but the challenge is still very tough. We enjoyed.”
Ogier has won the World Rally Championship seven times, in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2020. He now extends his lead in the overall championship standings to 133 points ahead of Elfyn Evans (100).
The event marked the return of the WRC Safari Rally in Kenya after a 19-year absence.