Safari bites hard as unlucky Neuville loses out to Ogier
The Safari Rally is one of motorsport’s toughest adventures, conjuring up images of rallying’s greatest being tested to their limit in Kenya’s beautiful but harsh terrain. While the event’s long-awaited return to the World Rally Championship after 19 years wasn’t the 1000km marathon of the past on open roads, this shorter 2021 revamp was just as extreme, brutal and rewarding, as Sebastian Ogier will attest.
The seven-time champion survived all Kenya could throw at him to etch his name among the greats to have conquered the Safari.
“It was a relief after such a crazy weekend,” said Ogier, who produced an incredible comeback to extend his championship lead. “I think everyone predicted a bit of an entertaining weekend and it definitely delivered, so many things happened.”
The Toyota driver’s words couldn’t be more accurate. This was an event packed with drama, brushes with Kenya’s famous wildlife, heartbreak, joy and finally relief. A rally where drivers were prevented from engaging maximum attack for the entire contest as speed was traded for preservation to complete 18 of the toughest stages the WRC can muster. Only five WRC crews completed the full distance.
For the third consecutive rally, a recurring theme was ever-present. Hyundai dominated the opening two days as Thierry Neuville produced a blend of mesmerising speed
