Solberg Leads 2026 WRC Safari Rally Toyota podium sweep on Day One

Oliver Solberg of Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT kicked off the 2026 Safari Rally Kenya on a flying note on Thursday afternoon, heading into Day Two (Friday) as the overnight leader after posting the fastest times across the opening two stages of the rally.

‎‎At the opening test in Camp Moran, Solberg stamped his authority early, stopping the clock at 22:56.2 to take charge of the rally standings.

Young gun Oliver Solberg stunned rivals, surging into the early lead with a combined time of 30:18.8 more than 30 seconds ahead of teammate Elfyn Evans. Solberg excelled on the first stage through 24.35 km of rain-soaked Camp Moran, where mud and water crossings tested every crew.

Despite starting second on the road, he posted 22:56.2, the only driver able to truly attack. “It was really wet and slippery, but I’m happy the time was good,” Solberg said. “Tomorrow we start with Camp Moran — definitely it should not dry much overnight. It’s gonna be again a big challenge. Hopefully it will be more dry during the day.”

Multi world champion Sébastien Ogier took third, 1:05.1 behind Solberg, while Japan’s Takamoto Katsuta endured a nightmare. “Before the start we just lost the connection with Aaron [Johnston, co-driver]. we race the whole way through without pacenotes,” Katsuta said after the Camp Moran stage.

Young Finn Sami Pajari completed the Toyota top five (+2:06.4), showing resilience despite brutal conditions.

Hyundai crews suffered heavily, with Thierry Neuville losing 2:13.3, Adrien Fourmaux 2:17.4, and Esapekka Lappi 2:40.8 to Solberg, leaving them far behind overall.

Jon Armstrong impressed, losing just 4.8 seconds to Fourmaux, while Josh McErlean struggled, already over 1:30 down on his Irish teammate.

The Toyota lockout underlines a commanding start for Toyota Gazoo Racing in Naivasha’s unforgiving terrain, setting the tone for what promises to be a thrilling Safari Rally

Solberg was pleased with his opening day display.

‎‎"The feeling is good and apparently the time is good, so I am very happy," he said.

‎‎He is, however, cautious of day two, which will be longer.

‎‎"Tomorrow (Friday) is going to be tough. We start with Camp Moran in the morning. I hope it doesn't rain overnight."