- Takamoto Katsuta claims maiden WRC title at Safari Rally Kenya 2026 in Naivasha.
- The 32-year-old now sits third in the World Rally Championship standings.
Toyota Gazoo World Rally driver Takamoto Katusta is the WRC Safari Rally 2026 champion alongside his navigator Aaron Johnston, making history with his first-ever World Rally Championship crown.
The Japanese international carried Toyota’s hopes into the final day after spearheading the charge on Saturday, a dramatic stage that saw three of his teammates including former champions Elfyn Evans and Sebastien Ogier were forced to retire due to mechanical issues.
Rally leader Oliver Solberg was also compelled to withdraw that same day with a similar problem.
Following those unfortunate setbacks, Katsuta who has been a fan favorite among Kenyan supporters since the event’s return in 2021 kept his composure on Saturday, finishing the penultimate day with a commanding 1m25.5s advantage heading into the final showdown.
On Sunday, he withstood fierce pressure from Hyundai’s Fourmaux, particularly during SS18, where the pair were separated by just one second.
However, across the final two stages he maintained his momentum and ultimately secured victory, claiming the championship in the third round of the WRC and the sixth and final Safari Rally Kenya under the current contract.
Takamoto Katsuta claims maiden WRC title at Safari Rally Kenya 2026
Katsuta was emotional after the final loop at Hells Gate, and expressed how challenging it had been for him to achieve such a milestone, also extending heartfelt thanks to his team for their tremendous effort.
“I don’t know what to say. We have so many difficult times, Aaron has worked very hard with me and the team was always believing in me, even when I was failing all the time. Thanks to the whole team, finally we are here because of them and Aaron.”
“My family is always a big support for me, this means so much. So many things happened but we are here. Thank you also to Ott Tanak who has been contacting me and helping me, even waking up earlier than me every morning. Akio-san, finally we are here, so thank you!”
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The 32-year-old now sits third in the World Rally Championship standings, though he has at least narrowed the gap on Solberg and series leader Elfyn Evans, whose devastating Saturday outing took them out of contention for the Safari Rally title.
Meanwhile, Hyundai desperate for a podium after a rough start in Monte-Carlo and Sweden finally got off the mark with their first top-three finish of the season, courtesy of Adrien Fourmaux and his navigator Alexandre Coria, who secured second place.
In third, sensational rising star Sami Pajari replicated his Swedish finish, overcoming all the challenges of the Safari Rally terrain despite suffering a tyre failure on Saturday that cost him at least five minutes.
