Top Performer - Sebastien Ogier and Vincent Landais
There are not many drivers that can overcome the many hurdles Sebastien Ogier faced at Safari Rally Kenya and still come out on top. The eight-time world champion may be semi-retired these days, but he is still at the very top of his game.
Ogier and co-driver Vincent Landais assumed the rally lead on stage two and that was where they stayed for the remaining 17 stages. That may sound like it was a walk in the (safari) park, but that doesn't tell the full story. Ogier had to use all of his talent to score what will go down as one of his hardest fought victories.
The Toyota driver was brave to take the gamble of carrying only one spare on Friday, given the event is renowned for its high puncture risk. But this calculated move to run a lighter car proved a masterstroke in establishing an early 22.1s lead.
Three punctures on Saturday, including a double-front failure, didn't halt Ogier although he did come under increasing pressure from charging Toyota team-mate Kalle Rovanpera. Despite seeing his 32.0s lead whittled down to 8.6s, Ogier held his nerve. A small error that resulted in clipping a tree on stage 15 cost him his tailgate and rear wing, but Ogier still went on to win the stage and re-establish his buffer to Rovanpera.
An overheating issue caused by his GR Yaris ingesting sand and a rock smashing his windscreen on the final stage failed to stop Ogier from scoring a third win from five events in 2023. He held off Rovanpera by 6.7s, the closest winning margin in Safari Rally history. It will be remembered as one of Ogier's finest wins given the adversity he faced.
Source: Autosport