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The 2026 Safari Rally Kenya enters its final day on Sunday with Japan’s Takamoto Katsuta holding a strong lead after a challenging Saturday that reshuffled the standings.
Driving for Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT, Katsuta leads by 1 minute and 25.5 seconds ahead of Adrien Fourmaux of Hyundai Motorsport as drivers prepare for the last four stages around Naivasha. The Japanese driver is now close to securing what would be his first victory in the World Rally Championship.
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Super Sunday stages
Sunday’s competition will begin with SS17 Oserengoni 1 (18.33 km) at 08:09, followed by SS18 Hell’s Gate 1 (10.53 km) at 09:35.
Unlike previous editions of the rally, competitors will not have a midday service break. Instead, crews will immediately tackle the second loop starting with SS19 Oserengoni 2 at 10:38 before regrouping ahead of the final stage.
The rally will conclude with SS20 Hell’s Gate 2, which also serves as the Wolf Power Stage, scheduled to start at 13:15.
Fight for bonus points
Sunday’s stages will also offer drivers additional opportunities to collect championship points.
The five fastest drivers across all Sunday stages will earn “Super Sunday” bonus points for consistent performance throughout the day.
Additionally, the top five drivers in the Wolf Power Stage will receive extra championship points, making the final kilometres of the rally particularly crucial.
Katsuta remains cautious
Despite his comfortable lead, Katsuta remains careful after several leading drivers were forced out during Saturday’s demanding stages.
The Toyota driver first expressed sympathy for his teammates who were unable to continue in the rally.
Three Toyota drivers who had been fighting for podium places — Oliver Solberg, Sébastien Ogier and Elfyn Evans — all retired during the first run of the Sleeping Warrior stage on Saturday.
Nine-time world champion Ogier later revealed that his rally ended after an alternator failure caused by mud entering the system.
With only four stages remaining, Katsuta’s focus will be on safely navigating the demanding Oserengoni sections.
Meanwhile, Fourmaux and other competitors are expected to push hard not only for podium finishes but also for the valuable Super Sunday and Wolf Power Stage points that could influence the championship standings.
