Takamoto Katsuta and co-driver Aaron Johnston delivered a historic performance on Sunday, securing an emotional maiden victory in the FIA World Rally Championship at the iconic Safari Rally Kenya.
On his 94th WRC start, Katsuta became the first Japanese driver to win a WRC round since Kenjiro Shinozuka triumphed at the Ivory Coast Rally in 1992. The victory carries special meaning for the Toyota driver, coming at the same African event where he celebrated his first WRC podium in 2021.
A Rally of Survival
The historic triumph was shaped by a dramatic weekend of attrition that decimated much of the Rally1 field. The turning point arrived on Saturday morning across the notoriously tough Sleeping Warrior stage and the road section that followed.
Up to that point, Toyota Gazoo Racing had dominated the rally with a commanding 1-2-3 formation. But the unforgiving Safari terrain soon changed the narrative.
Championship leader Elfyn Evans was the first to fall after suffering terminal rear-right suspension damage mid-stage. Soon after, rally leader Oliver Solberg was forced out due to a clutch failure on the liaison back to the service park in Naivasha, while nine-time world champion Sébastien Ogier saw his charge halted by an electrical issue.
Katsuta Keeps His Composure
Starting Sunday’s final leg with a commanding 1min 25.5sec lead, Katsuta adopted a measured approach rather than pushing for additional stage victories.
He carefully managed the punishing terrain across the Oserengoni and Hell’s Gate National Park stages, eventually sealing victory by 27.4 seconds.
“I don’t know what to say. We have had so many difficulties and moments. Aaron has worked very hard to work with me. The team always believed in me when I was failing all the time. I’m here because of them and Aaron.”
said an emotional Katsuta after the finish
Adding to the significance of the moment, William Ruto, the President of Kenya, personally presented the winner’s trophy at the finish ceremony.
Strong Performances Behind the Winner
Adrien Fourmaux produced a composed and consistent drive to secure second place overall for Hyundai Motorsport, marking the 10th podium of his WRC career despite battling overheating issues throughout the rally.
Toyota’s rising star Sami Pajari completed the podium in third place. The Finnish driver recovered impressively after a high-speed tyre failure on Saturday that caused heavy bodywork damage and cost around five minutes.
Esapekka Lappi finished fourth after a challenging rally plagued by heavy understeer and multiple punctures.
Meanwhile, Robert Virves guided his Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 to victory in the WRC2 category while also claiming an impressive fifth place overall.
Championship Battle Continues
Although Katsuta claimed the overall victory, the championship fight remains tight. Evans, Solberg and Ogier returned under restart rules on Sunday and battled for crucial Super Sunday and Wolf Power Stage points.
Solberg responded strongly after Saturday’s setback by winning the Wolf Power Stage by 2.8 seconds over Ogier to collect maximum points.
Despite retiring earlier in the rally, Evans retains the lead in the drivers’ standings with 66 points after three rounds, ahead of Solberg on 58 and Katsuta on 55.
The championship now switches to asphalt next month with the return of the Croatia Rally, set to take place along the Adriatic coast from 9–12 April.