"This is the most extreme edition": Sébastien Ogier and Toyota defeated by the mud in Kenya

As he closed in on the lead in the overall standings, Sébastien Ogier saw his hopes of victory fade, forced to retire after the thirteenth special stage of a Rally Kenya is definitely a colorful place.

After a very tricky passage through the mud at Sleeping Warrior, Sébastien Ogier thought, for a time, that he was out of the woods after securing his sixth stage win since the start of the weekend. A short-lived relief. Upon reaching the final stage of the loop, the alternator alarm went off. The drive to the service park was relatively long, over 70 km. With a battery that wasn't charging, we knew it would be difficult to reach the service area. he says. We did everything we could to repair it, changing the belt and cleaning the system as much as possible, but it didn't work. We were forced to give up. »

Despite the crew's efforts, the Toyota was unable to return to service. It appears that this is due to mud seepage. explains the Gapençais. One of our crews managed to clean everything with water and was able to leave. We attempted the same maneuver, but without success. »

For Toyota, this is a major blow. Having largely dominated the race, the Japanese manufacturer has now suffered three retirements. This is the most extreme edition we've seen in Kenya for several years. We knew that this Saturday would be a crucial stage and a real test of endurance for our machines. He insists. Our team has a reputation for having the most reliable car, but paradoxically, our three leading cars had to throw in the towel. »

Toyota's fate now rests on the shoulders of Takamoto Katsuta, who has taken the lead in the competition with a 1:07 advantage over Thierry Neuville et Adrien fourmauxMeanwhile, Sébastien Ogier will participate in Sunday's special stages to try and score as many points as possible during Super Sunday and the Power Stage. I imagine we'll see a battle between teammates for the Super Sunday title, as I'm pretty sure the others won't really be fighting for it. Well, let's wait and see the conditions. If the road surface is again full of gaps, it might be someone else. But one thing is for sure: the three drivers who retired today will have only that goal in mind for tomorrow. »

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