Frenchman Sebastien Ogier is the World Rally Championship Safari Rally champion.
He made a superb comeback after nursing a damaged rear damper on the opening day. Ogier refused to give up, and the hard work has paid off.
Japan’s Takamoto Katsuta’s season keeps getting better and better after claiming an amazing second position here in Kenya. The Yaris driver hasn’t put a wheel wrong all week.
“It’s feeling very good. It has been a very long weekend. Okay, everybody had some problems, but we survived and that’s why we are here,” said Katsuta. “I am very happy with the team and the car, so thanks to them.”
Estonian Ott Tanak did his best to finish third and salvage some points for the Hyundai team.
“This rally, my approach was like 50 to 60 per cent maximum, not do any mistakes and be as smooth as possible. It’s a shame Thierry couldn’t work it out. Let’s see – now we go back to Estonia, so it should be fun,” said Tanak.
The Frenchman Adrien Fourmax ended fourth this weekend, and even took his maiden stage win earlier in the day.
“It’s good. I have to say thanks to all the team for this opportunity and also to Malcolm who is watching us. It was a perfect weekend – the car was perfect without any issues,” said Fourmax.
Gus Greensmith can be proud of his performance to take fifth at Safari Rally Kenya. He doesn’t take any extra risks on this stage.
“I tried to drive smart and try and find the grip. It’s been a pretty good weekend all-round, but let’s see,” said Greensmith.
“It’s amazing. I hope he is watching, this is for him. It was a really hard drive and I am really happy that we have got the rally back,” said Onkar.
Dani Sordo was the first of the World Rally Car runners to complete.
“It was not really a good weekend for us. We had problems on the first day and lost all our possibilities there. After that, Ott and Thierry still had possibilities to take some points, but it was not like this,” he said. “It’s rallying. We are having a really bad period for the team, but this will change and we will come stronger.”
Lorenzo Bertelli made his WRC return here in Kenya. He was disappointed to retire with a water leak on Friday, but has enjoyed the experience overall.
“It’s been a lesson – an incredible experience and an incredible place. A bit disappointed for the problem with the car on Friday, but we are happy to be here. It’s been an amazing weekend,” said Bertelli.
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