Date: June 26, 2023

Toyota GAZOO Racing Achieves Remarkable Success at Safari Rally Kenya for the Third Consecutive Year

News → Toyota GAZOO Racing Achieves Remarkable Success at Safari Rally Kenya for the Third Consecutive Year

Toyota GAZOO Racing World Rally Team again demonstrated dominance at the 2023 Safari Rally Kenya, securing a perfect four-star finish in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) for the third consecutive year. The Toyota team achieved an extraordinary 1-2-3-4 finish, with Sébastien Ogier taking the top spot, followed by his teammates Kalle Rovanperä, Elfyn Evans, and Takamoto Katsuta.

With this remarkable achievement, Toyota’s all-time Safari Rally record extends to 11 victories, 10 of which were achieved as part of the WRC. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team comes 30 years after the brand’s first such triumph in Kenya, highlighting their consistent success on the challenging African terrain was not only a testament to the reliability of their vehicles but also a result of the combined efforts of the drivers, co-drivers, mechanics, and engineers.

Ogier and his co-driver Vincent Landais emerged as the winner of the epic African event, leading from the first full-length stage of the rally. Their victory was hard-fought, as Rovanperä and Jonne Halttunen pushed them in an exciting battle for the top spot. Ultimately, Ogier secured the win by a mere 6.7 seconds, making it the closest margin of victory in Safari Rally history.

Rovanperä’s second-place finish allowed him to increase his championship lead, while Evans and Martin claimed the third spot on the podium for the second consecutive year. Katsuta, with the support of the TGR WRC Challenge Program, overcame early challenges to clinch his best finish of the season so far.

Toyota’s dominant performance highlights its success in the WRC and reinforces its commitment to excellence and its QDR (Quality, Durability, and Reliability) value proposition. As part of its carbon neutrality agenda, Toyota aims to showcase the reliability of its vehicles in the harshest environments while contributing to sustainable practices.

At his address, Akio Toyoda, Chairman of TGR-WRT, expressed his gratitude to the entire team and emphasized the importance of leveraging the reliability demonstrated in rallying for the production of road cars. He also thanked the drivers, mechanics, engineers, and sponsors for their invaluable contributions to the team’s success.

The Safari Rally Kenya, known as the most challenging round of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), witnessed Toyota’s GR team deliver outstanding performance, further solidifying their association with the brand and the Quality, Durability, and Reliability (QDR) value proposition. This marks their third consecutive year participating in the rally, demonstrating Toyota’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance.

With a record-breaking with 11 victories at the Safari Rally, Toyota has established itself as a force to be reckoned with. The 1-2-3-4 finish achieved by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team comes 30 years after the brand’s first triumph in Kenya, highlighting their consistent success on the challenging African terrain.

Ogier, who secured his third-season victory alongside co-driver Vincent Landais displayed exceptional driving skills and determination throughout the rally. They took an early lead on Friday and held onto it, despite intense competition from Rovanperä and Jonne Halttunen, last year’s Safari Rally winner.

With the Safari Rally triumph, Toyota GAZOO Racing extended its lead in the manufacturers’ championship by 42 points. The team’s outstanding performance sets the stage for the upcoming Rally Estonia, the first part of a double-header in Europe and promises more thrilling action on fast gravel roads.

To further show support for Safari Rally Kenya, Toyota by CFAO Motors offered sponsorship of Ksh. 32 million, through the provision of 2 Hilux pickups that were used as the safety route openers for the 00 car and 000 car, and the sponsorship also included service as part of the after-sale.

Toyota’s continued success in the WRC showcases its technical prowess and commitment to delivering exceptional vehicles for its customers. As the season progresses, Toyota GAZOO Racing aims to build on its achievements and produce ever-better cars.

UPDATE: Watch how Toyota conquered the WRC Safari Rally 2023. #CFAOMotorsDrivesKenya