Toyota’s Takamoto Katsuta wins 2026 Safari Rally
In a dramatic and punishing edition of the Safari Rally Kenya, Toyota Gazoo Racing driver Takamoto Katsuta secured his first-ever FIA World Rally Championship win on March 15, 2026.
Partnered with co-driver Aaron Johnston, the Japanese ace navigated one of the most brutal rallies in recent memory, finishing with a total time of 3:16:05.6 to claim victory by 27.4 seconds. This triumph marked a historic milestone as Katsuta became the first Japanese driver to win a WRC event since Kenjiro Shinozuka's success at the Ivory Coast Rally in 1992, capping off his 94th start in the series with an emotional breakthrough.
The rally lived up to its legendary reputation for chaos and attrition, with heavy rain, rocky terrain, and unforgiving conditions taking a heavy toll on the field. Multiple top contenders, including several Toyota teammates, suffered retirements or major setbacks, thrusting Katsuta into the lead after a cautious, survival-focused approach. He inherited a commanding 1:25.5 advantage heading into the final day and maintained composure through the decisive stages at Oserengoni and Hell’s Gate, prioritizing car preservation over stage wins to bring his GR Yaris Rally1 home safely.
Hyundai's Adrien Fourmaux finished a strong second, with Toyota's Sami Pajari completing the podium in third. Katsuta's win extends Toyota's unbeaten streak at the Safari Rally since its WRC return in 2021 and serves as a powerful statement in the championship battle. Congratulations to Takamoto Katsuta and Aaron Johnston on this well-deserved and hard-fought achievement
