Katsuta Claims First WRC Win on African Soil — Safari Rally Kenya 2026
World Stage Journal
Time: 3:16:05.6. Alongside co-driver Aaron Johnston, Katsuta's Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 conquered the world's most demanding gravel stage
March 15, 2026, Naivasha, Kenya. Takamoto Katsuta secured his first-ever WRC career victory. In the Safari Rally Kenya — widely regarded as the toughest event in the World Rally Championship calendar — a Japanese driver conquered the African red earth, writing a moment that will remain in the memory of rally fans worldwide.
Round 3 of the 2026 WRC season, Safari Rally Kenya (March 12–15). On the gravel stages sprawling across the Naivasha lakeside region, Takamoto Katsuta drove his Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 to perfection, claiming overall victory with a time of 3:16:05.6. The moment co-driver Aaron Johnston confirmed the win on the final stage, rally fans around the world erupted.
This was Katsuta's first WRC career victory. After years as a regular Toyota Gazoo Racing driver, repeatedly climbing the podium yet unable to reach the top step, he finally broke through. The fact that this maiden win came at the Safari Rally — widely considered the most demanding event in the WRC calendar — only adds to the magnitude of the achievement.
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