Takamoto secures maiden WRC victory at gruelling Safari Rally

Takamoto Katsuta and co-driver Aaron Johnston have so much to remember about the Safari Rally Kenya after registering their maiden World Rally Championship victory on Sunday in Naivasha. 

The Toyota Gazoo Racing driver landed his first-ever podium at the Safari Rally in 2021 and, this year, secured his first victory, making history as the first Japanese driver to win a WRC round after Kenjiro Shinozuka, who won at the Ivory Coast Rally in 1992.

Katsuta elevated to the rally lead after three of his team-mates retired from the event on Saturday morning’s loop.

The Japanese went for a cautious drive on the final day to keep his dream alive, eventually clinching victory with a 26.4-second lead over Adrien Fourmaux. This was Katsuta’s 94th WRC event start. 

Katsuta could not hold back tears in his speech as a WRC event winner.

“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,” he said.

Adrien Fourmaux kept Hyundai in contention, securing second position overall to console a devastating team that was hit by overheating issues in the event. It is Fourmaux’s 10th WRC career podium.

Sami Pajari, having suffered misfortunes on Saturday, managed to put another Toyota GR Yaris on the podium in third. 

In the Africa Rally Championship, Karan Patel secured victory, followed by Aakif Virani.

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