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The high-speed gravel event is yet to claim its first retirement.
Eight-time WRC Rally champion Sébastien Ogier showcased his mastery on the treacherous Geothermal 1 stage, securing a commendable second-place finish, just 1 minute and 2 seconds behind Hyundai's Esapekka Lappi.
The Toyota Gazoo Rally Team driver, together with his teammates, continued to grow in confidence as they took four top positions at the end of the stage.
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10:30 - 23.06.2023
STADIA ‘Tell us the truth’ - Uasin Gishu governor to Namwamba over stalled construction of Kipchoge Keino Stadium
The county boss feels the Sports CS has failed to rein in on the contractors who have delayed the completion of the sporting facility.
As the dust settled, Ogier reflected on the challenging course, acknowledging that the true test lies ahead.
"For us, it's good so far. These two stages were not the roughest; I think the hardest part of this loop is coming now," Ogier commented, demonstrating his focus and anticipation for the upcoming trials that await him.
Meanwhile, Lappi, pleased with his performance, shared his thoughts on the contrasting stages.
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09:57 - 23.06.2023
MOTORSPORTS Defending champion Rovanpera bracing up for tough Safari Rally outing as action officially starts
Estonian Ott Tänak took top honours in the opening of the rally, SSS1 to get his quest for a maiden African victory off to a flying start on the opening stage.
"The stage here is clear and more like Finland style as well. On the previous one, the guys made big cuts which I didn't do, so for sure, I lost a lot of time over there. I think the next 10 stages are not so simple!" Lappi admitted, hinting at the challenges that lie ahead for all competitors.
After an intense battle spanning three stages, Sébastien Ogier currently leads his teammate Kalle Rovanperä by a slender margin of 11.9 seconds.
Ogier's calculated moves on the Geothermal stage allowed him to gain a crucial advantage over his teammate.
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16:46 - 22.06.2023
SAFARI RALLY Ott Tänak takes early lead at Safari rally Kenya
Joining Tänak and Ogier in the top three was Kalle Rovanperä, Ogier's teammate and the 2022 Safari winner. Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville secured the fourth overall position, leading the Hyundai contingent.
However, there were other notable changes in the overall standings. Rising to the occasion, Elfyn Evans showcased his mettle and climbed his way up to third place.
Takamoto Katsuta also made a significant leap forward, securing fourth place, while unfortunate troubles befell Thierry Neuville.
Neuville, typically a force to be reckoned with, encountered difficulties and emerged as the slowest of the factory Rally1 cars on the challenging SS3 stage.
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09:32 - 23.06.2023
RUGBY KCB raid Blak Blad for top talent as they beef up the squad ahead of new season
The Bankers have signed Blak Blad duo to galvanise their squad ahead of the new rugby season.
This setback cost him dearly, as he slipped to a disappointing sixth place, trailing a considerable 23.2 seconds behind the leader. With the competition heating up, Neuville faces an uphill battle to regain his position.
As the rally continues its relentless pursuit, all eyes will be on Sébastien Ogier as he strives to maintain his dominance and secure another victory.
However, with a formidable field of competitors, including the tenacious Lappi and the rising stars Evans and Katsuta, the next stages promise to be nothing short of thrilling.
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