New Safari Rally leader Takamoto Katsuta denounces "excessively dangerous" conditions

For the first time since the start of the Kenyan leg, Takamoto Katsuta is leading the way. The new leader of the Safari Rally following the triple retirement of the frontrunners, the driver Toyota did not fail to express his exasperation regarding the conditions of a competition held on a field turning into a quagmire.

Although he navigated the rain-soaked special stages of the morning without too much trouble, Takamoto Katsuta emphasizes their danger. The conditions were much muddier than the day before. We knew the task would be complex and we all expected this kind of incident. (repeated punctures, editor's note.) happen, recognizes the Japanese man. It's also extremely dangerous. The crowd is packed near the trees while we have absolutely no control over the car due to aquaplaning. The mud is so thick that racing in these conditions makes no sense, if only for safety reasons. Personally, I enjoy driving in these conditions, but right now it's simply too dangerous. »

Beyond the weather, Takamoto Katsuta deplores the organizers' choice to modify the route of the twelfth and thirteenth special stages at the last minute, thus penalizing the drivers forced onto a path strewn with stones. I cannot accept this change of route or the addition of last-minute barriers. It's frustrating. he gets annoyed. We were all in the same boat: everyone got a flat tire in the rightful place, obviously in the same spot. "As more rain threatens Naivasha, the situation is only likely to worsen. It remains to be seen whether the new leader of the competition will manage to avoid succumbing to the dangers of the savannah himself."

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