Only 65.87km of competitive mileage stand between Toyota’s Elfyn Evans and a maiden WRC Safari Rally Kenya title which has eluded him over the past four editions since his Kenyan debut in 2021.
The Welshman carried a comfotable 1:57.4 lead into the final day over Estonian Ott Tanak who climbed to second position in a muddy and slippery run around Sleeping Warrior, Elementeita and Soysambu.
But Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville moved up to third after posting three top four stage times in the closing loop.
Day 3 was a bitter sweet experience for Toyota’s Japanese star Takamoto Katsuta who claimed back to back stages wins on SS13 and SS14 but dropped from 3rd to 4th .
Battle Royale between global manufactures Toyota and Hyundai will be the order of the day in tomorrow’s finale in Naivasha where crews will tackle the last five speed test of the 2025 WRC Safari.
Even though Toyota marksman Elfyn has a head start going into the homestretch, Hyundai duo of reigning world champion Thierry Neuville and 2019 champion Tanak will be breathing heavily on his neck.
Kalle Rovanpera’s intended Safari hattrick was dealt a major blow by a pair of excruciating punctures, the second caused by an off-road excursion to avoid a herd of zebra.
The two-time world champion started Saturday 7.7 seconds behind leader and Toyota team-mate Elfyn Evans but ended the morning loop of stages, which featured tricky wet and muddy sections, 1m32.5s adrift.
Meanwhile, SS21 – Hell’s Gate Wolf Power Stage (10.53km) will be the fan-favourite stage that will conclude this year’s WRC Safari 2025.
Hells Gate test will initially be run in the morning (SS19), but its repeat run will serve as the Wolf Power Stage carrying additional championship points where the top five fastest drivers will score 5-4-3-2-1.
SS17 – Mzabibu (8.15km) -which served as SS2 on Thursday will kickstart Day 4 itinerary and repeated as SS17.
Mzabibu is a brand-new stage set in the Morendat Farm vineyards, Mzabibu is designed with fans in mind, offering great viewing points just 10km from Naivasha town. This tight, technical test on mixed surfaces will challenge drivers as they push through the winding farm roads.
SS18/20 – Oserengoni (18.33km) is one of the most scenic stages of the rally, and winds through the private Oserengoni Conservancy, featuring twisty wooded sections, deceptive straights, and vast open plains. Wildlife is often spotted along the route, adding to its uniqueness.
END OF DAY – SS16 Soysambu 2 – 28.97 km
1. #33 Evans Elfyn – Martin Scott (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1) 3:38:39.3
2. #8 Ott Tänak – Järveoja Martin (Hyundai i20 N Rally1) 3:40:36.7
3. #1 Thierry Neuville – Wydaeghe M. (Hyundai i20 N Rally1) 3:43:12.7
4. #18 Takamoto Katsuta – Johnston A. (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1) 3:43:45.9
5. #69 Kalle Rovanperä – Halttunen J. (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1) 3:44:45.3
6. #5 Sami Pajari – Salminen Marko (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1) 3:45:39.7
7. #13 Grégoire Munster – Louka Louis (Ford Puma Rally1) 3:49:41.3
8. #22 Greensmith Gus – Andersson J. (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) 3:50:47.6
9. #23 Solans Jan – Sanjuan Rodrigo (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2) 3:50:53.4
10. #9 Serderidis J. – Miclotte F. (Ford Puma Rally1) 4:03:18.4
STAGE WINNERS
SS11 Sleeping Warrior 1 – 26.97 km: ELFYN
SS12 Elmenteita 1 – 17.31 km – ELFYN
SS13 Soysambu 1 – 28.97 km – TAKAMOTO
SS14 Sleeping Warrior 2- 26.97 km: TAKA
SS15 Elmenteita 2 – 17.31 km – MUNSTER
SS16 Soysambu 2 – 28.97 km – TANAK
DAY 4 ITINERAY
06:42 SS17 – Mzabibu 2 (8.27km)
07:53 SS18 – Oserengoni 1 (18.33km)
09:05 SS19 – Hell’s Gate 1 (10.53km)
? 10:18 Service F – WRTI Naivasha – 15 mins
11:56 SS20 – Oserengoni 2 (18.33km)
14:15 SS21 – Hell’s Gate 2 (10.53km)
? 15:30 Podium