Ott Tänak M-Sport Ford Driver Takes Early Lead in WRC Safari Rally

Estonian driver Ott Tanak made a strong start in the 2023 WRC Safari Rally, taking the overnight lead after finishing first in the opening stage, the super special stage, held on Thursday at Kasarani in Nairobi.

Tanak, accompanied by co-driver Martin Jarveoja, who has previously achieved podium success at the Safari Rally, completed the 4.84km stage with a time just 0.1 seconds ahead of his closest rival, reigning Safari Rally champion Sebastien Ogier.

Kalle Rovanpera, driving a Toyota Yaris alongside co-driver Jonne Haltunen, secured the third position, trailing Tanak by 2.54 seconds.

Among the Kenyan drivers, Carl Tundo emerged as the highest placed, finishing 21.6 seconds behind Ott Tanak.

Tanak, the 2019 World champion, will be eager to extend his lead as the Ford M-Sport team aims to challenge Toyota’s dominance in the Safari Rally.

The competition will now shift to Naivasha, where the drivers will tackle the gruelling 356.98km course across 18 demanding stages.

Friday’s action will take place around Lake Naivasha, with drivers vying for points in the Loldia stage (19.17km), Geothermal stage (13.12km), and Kedong stage (30.48km), totalling 125.54km in distance.

On Saturday, the cars will navigate through the Soysambu, Sleeping Warrior, and Elementaita stages, covering a total distance of 150.88km.

The final day, Sunday, will feature three stages: Malewa, Oserian, and Hellsgate, concluding the thrilling Safari Rally.