Whoever came through the deciding Hell’s Gate finale on top out of Sebastien Ogier and Kalle Rovanpera would become a two-time Safari Rally winner.
Leading by 9.2 seconds going into the 6.54-mile Powerstage, it was Ogier’s double triumph to lose and Rovanpera’s to gain following a high-stakes battle between the factory Toyota stars.
In the event, eight-time World champion Ogier triumphed with 6.7s in hand over current title holder Rovanpera at the end of an incident-packed final leg.
Rovanpera, the points leader following his recent upturn in form, started Sunday’s six stages trailing Ogier by 16.7s. But he was on the attack from the outset.
Despite the rough conditions, Rovanpera gave his all through the opener to narrow Ogier’s advantage to 8.6s.
Ogier responded on SS15, outgunning Rovanpera, also by 8.6s, to lead by 17.2s. But
