Frenchman Sébastien Ogier held onto his lead at the WRC Safari Rally Kenya during the morning session of day 3 despite facing tire issues on a challenging Saturday morning worsened by overnight rain.
Ogier, driving for Toyota Gazoo Racing, showcased his skill and expertise by securing the top spot in the first Soysambu stage, even with rear left tire damage on his GR Yaris.
He comfortably outpaced his teammate, Kalle Rovanperä, by a margin of 7.6 seconds.
Acknowledging the slippery conditions, Ogier admitted to exercising caution during the race. “Some sections were very slippery, and I was very cautious, to be honest,” he conceded.
Meanwhile, Elfyn Evans, also driving for Toyota, faced significant drama during the morning session. He encountered a water splash near the end of Soysambu 1, resulting in his vehicle coming to a halt.
Ogier emerged victorious in the Soysambu 1 stage, while Rovanperä claimed victories in Elementaita 1 and Sleeping Warrior 1. Despite the challenges, Ogier maintained his overall lead after the Saturday morning session.
Carl Tundo, accompanied by his navigator Tim Jessop, continues to dominate the local drivers in the WRC 2 category with his Skoda Fabia. Currently positioned 15th overall, Tundo’s exceptional performance showcases his skill and determination in the competition.
Following closely behind is his teammate Akif Viran, who holds a respectable 18th position. Together, they represent a formidable force in the rally, demonstrating their expertise and commitment to success.
The WRC Safari Rally Kenya continues to captivate with its thrilling twists and turns. Ogier’s resilience and skill have kept him at the forefront of the competition, showcasing his determination to emerge victorious.
