By Timothy Albrite
In a rally where speed alone is never enough, Takamoto Katsuta finally claimed the result he has chased for years, a first career win at the legendary Safari Rally Kenya. And what a place to do it. At the 2026 Safari Rally Kenya, widely regarded as the toughest round on the FIA World Rally Championship calendar, the Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT driver produced a performance as daring as it was disciplined to clinch his maiden WRC victory.
Set against the unforgiving landscapes around Naivasha, this year’s Safari was a classic test of grit as much as speed.
Katsuta, alongside co‑driver and navigator Aaron Johnston, didn’t try to blow the field away with blistering stage times. Instead, he struck that delicate balance rally fans know all too well: push hard enough to stay in contention, but avoid the mistakes and mechanical damage that ended so many rivals’ hopes. That masterclass in controlled aggression kept his Toyota intact while others faltered.
“This rally is so special,” Katsuta said after sealing the win. “To win here for the first time means so much to me and the team.”
Toyota’s strategic depth proved invaluable. Team‑mates filled the top positions early on and helped keep the pressure on, ensuring the Japanese manufacturer stayed in control even as conditions deteriorated. That kind of teamwork has long been a Safari hallmark, and 2026 was no exception.
Meanwhile, the rally’s unforgiving nature lived up to its fearsome reputation. Punctures, suspension failures and off‑road excursions took their toll on several front‑running crews. Legends and title contenders alike found themselves battling the terrain more than their rivals, illustrating just how easily fortunes can shift in Kenya’s Rift Valley.
By the final leg, Katsuta’s steady approach had carved out a healthy advantage, giving him the breathing room to manage pace and protect his car to the finish, no small feat on roads that punish until the very last kilometre.
Behind him, the fight for remaining podium positions was equally intense. Across the four days, Hyundai crews and other Toyota drivers pushed through setbacks and chaos to collect valuable championship points.
Top Finishers Safari Rally Kenya 2026
- Takamoto Katsuta / Aaron Johnston — Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT
- Adrien Fourmaux — Hyundai
- Sami Pajari — Toyota
- Elfyn Evans — Toyota
- Thierry Neuville — Hyundai
Here’s what they had to say following the conclusion of the four-day gravel rally in East Africa.
Takamoto KATSUTA- Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) WRT- Winner WRC Safari Rally 2026
“I don’t know what to say. We have had so many difficulties and moments. Aaron (Johnston) worked very hard and the team has always believed in me, even when I was failing many times.
Thanks to the whole team. We are finally here because of them and Aaron (Navigator).”
Adrien FOURMAUX-Hyundai Shell Mobis WRT/Runner-up WRC Safari Rally 2026
I’m really happy for the podium in Kenya, and I wish to thank our engineers for a great job that enabled us to reach the end of this tough rally.
“It’s a good result for the team, good points for the championship and I’m happy to have closed the gap on Toyota.”
Oliver SOLBERG-TGR WRT/Winner Wolf Power Stage
“It’s been a great day, I think up to yesterday, I was so sad but coming into the last day we ended up winning the Super Sunday and the Power Stage.
Ten points from Super Sunday and Power Stage feels great, and a point for the position is good for the championship.
So I think we did our very best to recover.
It’s an incredible win for Taka, the passion he has had through and through, he really deserved it.
First win is always very special. It was nice seeing incredible fans in Kenya, the people here are so passionate, welcoming and loving, it’s been an incredible adventure.