This archive report was first published on 25 June 2021.
June 25, 2021 - The WRC Safari Rally Super Special Stage at Kasarani, Nairobi, witnessed a thrilling competition yesterday, with world champion Sebastien Ogier emerging victorious.
Ogier, a seven-time champion, navigated by Julien Ingrassia, clocked 3:21.5 to win the adrenaline-filled race, beating perennial rival Ott Tanak of Estonia.
‘This is a warning that tough times are ahead for my opponents,’ Ogier said, hinting at the challenges that lie ahead in the rally.
‘Tomorrow is going to be the real start. It has been amazing to see so much crowd. Tomorrow some tough stuff is coming,’ he added, setting the tone for the upcoming stages.
Tanak, the 2019 WRC champion, finished fourth, while Ogier’s victory at the panoramic Kasarani course is a boost to the Toyota Gazoo Racing team, which is looking forward to bagging the drivers title and the manufacturer gong this season.
‘I’m here in Kenya to win the Safari Rally, bag the WRC title and exit the rally scene next year,’ Ogier told Standard Sports when he jetted into the country on Sunday night.
His team-mate, Kalle Rovanpera, clocked 3.21.8 to emerge second in the thrilling Kasarani round, beating Hyundai’s Dani Sordo to the finish line.
Elfyn Evans of Wales, also of Toyota, was third, while Thierry Neuville of Hyundai emerged fifth.
The Kasarani stage followed a colourful opening ceremony in central Nairobi, with competitors flagged off by President Uhuru Kenyatta and Sports, Cabinet Secretary, Amina Mohamed.
