The Safari Rally it returned in 2021 to the World Rally Championship calendar for the full enjoyment of Toyota Gazoo Racing. The Japanese formation signed a great double last season with the triumph of sebastien ogier and second position Takamoto Katsuta. Both will be present at this year’s edition of the Kenyan event, with the Frenchman occupying the third Toyota GR Yaris Rally and the Japanese competing for the brand’s ‘B’ team. beyond both, leader Kalle Rovanperä and Elfyn Evans will also be looking for a good result in the Safari stages.
Kalle Rovanperä faces the Safari Rally with the aim of achieving a good result. As happened in Sardinia, the Finn will have to open the track during the first stage, a fact that is linked to his condition as leader. for sure, the pilot suomi will seek at least to achieve the loot conquered in Italy, since there he managed to expand his leadership status. Elfyn Evans arrives in Kenya with other needs, specifically to fight for victory in her Toyota after another gray weekend in Sardinia.
Kalle Rovanperäleader of the championship, has pointed out regarding the Safari Rally: “We have an interesting weekend ahead of us. Sardinia was not as strong a rally for us as we would have liked, but I hope that in Kenya we do not lose so much by opening the track. It was a good rally for us last year, although we were a bit unlucky. This year we are going to try to avoid problemsaddress the event in the best possible way and look for a good result. It’s a special rally and it needs to be approached a little differently.».
Elfyn Evans He has very little chance of fighting for the title, but he could be a clear candidate for victory in Kenya: «It is always difficult to know exactly what you are going to face in the Safari Rally. There is an ingredient of the unknown and conditions can change from one stage to another. Some sections have very soft sand, other more compacted dirt and in others there is rough terrain. It is a great challenge for drivers, cars and also for the engineers. I have had good feelings with the car, so i hope this grounded feeling stays».
Finally, sebastien ogier He returns to contest his third rally with the Toyota GR Yaris Rally1: «I really want to return to Kenya. Last year we had a great reception. It was something special and different from what we are used to. Winning was the icing on the cake and it will be great to try and repeat it this year with a bit more stage knowledge. It’s a very tough rally, we all had a problem at some point. It’s a rally not to give up and with the new cars you have to be even smarter than before.”
Photos: Toyota Gazoo Racing