Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Kalle Rovanpera is the WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2024 champion.
Rovanpera became a two-time winner of Safari Rally Kenya on Sunday afternoon, securing a dominant victory at the head of a 1-2 finish for Toyota Gazoo Racing.
He finished comfortably clear of GR Yaris team-mate Takamoto Katsuta while M-Sport Ford's Adrien Fourmaux completed the podium.
Rovanpera won with a 1m 37.8s victory margin, having led since Friday morning. It was Rovanpera’s 12th career victory.
“It’s always special to win here. Like they say in Africa: the car in front is always a Toyota,” Rovanpera said.
Rovanpera built a lead of almost one minute after winning all of Friday’s rock-strewn stages around Lake Naivasha.
Thierry Neuville was Rovanpera’s closest threat, but his challenge was short-lived after his Hyundai i20 N encountered a fuel system issue during the afternoon’s first stage at Soysambu.
Neuville dropped more than two-and-a-half minutes as he rectified the problem through the remaining two stages, which opened the door for Katsuta to reclaim the runner-up spot ahead of Fourmaux.
The drivers tackled Malewa, Oserengoni and Hell's Gate stages on Sunday afternoon as the rally curtains came down in Naivasha.
The WRC returns to asphalt for next month's Croatia Rally which takes place from April 18 - 21. The event is based in the capital Zagreb.
