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.
The deep dive at the end of this article is for WSJ subscribers only.
Jumlah dalam mata uang lokal hanya sebagai referensi. Semua pembayaran ditagihkan dalam Yen Jepang (JPY); jumlah sebenarnya bergantung pada kurs saat pembayaran.
Already a member?
This column space is a paid placement for sponsor companies. Exposure across all WSJ articles, distributed in 23 languages worldwide.
Inquire About Placement →Share this article
Comments
0Related Articles
Ogier Menang di Acropolis — Kemenangan Karier WRC ke-69, Kemenangan Pertama di Yunani dalam 15 Tahun
Sébastien Ogier membawa Toyota GR Yaris Rally1-nya meraih kemenangan di EKO Acropolis Rally, yang be…
BRC Pirelli Rally — McRae Membalik Defisit di Hutan Cumbria untuk Memimpin Kejuaraan Inggris
Putaran 3 Kejuaraan Rally Inggris 2026, Pirelli Rally, berlangsung di Kielder Forest, Cumbria pada 1…
APRC Putaran 2 — Kadur Mendapat Manfaat dari Mundurnya Gill untuk Memenangkan South India Rally ke-49 di Terik Chennai
FOUNDING READER
This journal exists because 100 people believed in it before the world did.
Seat #001 could be yours.