Sebastien Ogier sits out as Toyota name line-up for Safari Rally Kenya 2024

Sebastien Ogier © Imago Images

MOTORSPORTS Sebastien Ogier sits out as Toyota name line-up for Safari Rally Kenya 2024

Festus Chuma 15:47 - 28.02.2024

Toyota has announced its line-up for Safari Rally Kenya 2024 excluding eight-time world champion Sebastien Ogier.

Toyota has unveiled its dynamic trio for the upcoming Safari Rally Kenya, setting the stage for an intense competition next month. 

With eyes set on extending their winning streak in one of the World Rally Championship's (WRC) most challenging events, the team's roster features double world champion Kalle Rovanpera, Elfyn Evans, and Takamoto Katsuta. 

Notably absent from the line-up is Sebastien Ogier, the defending Safari Rally champion and an eight-time world champion. 

This decision marks Ogier's second consecutive absence from the WRC series, following a commendable second-place finish at the Monte Carlo Rally. 

Kalle Rovanpera, aiming to rebound from a challenging start to the 2024 season, is at the forefront of Toyota's campaign.

After a disappointing 39th place finish at Rally Sweden, where an accident dashed his lead, Rovanperä is hungry for redemption. Despite the setback, his optimism remains unshaken, bolstered by the car's performance and the team's preparation. 

"The car was fast enough to win," Rovanperä reflected. "We worked with the car before the event, and it was really good. It’s positive that we could have been in the fight, but I just couldn’t bring everything together," Rovanpera told www.wrc.com 

Toyota's decision to field three cars in Kenya, excluding Ogier, is a strategic move that has raised eyebrows. 

Since its return to the Safari Rally in 2021, Toyota has dominated the event, with Ogier playing a crucial role in these victories. 

His absence raises questions about the team's strategy and its impact on their performance in the challenging Kenyan landscape.

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