Thierry Neuville co-driven by Martin Wydaeghe in a Hyundai i20 Coupe won three of the six challenging gravel and sandy stages to hold a lead of 18.8 seconds after the first leg of the Safari Rally Kenya on Friday.
Neuville survived two ripped up tyres as he finished Section 7 with huge relief. On a day that saw World champions Sebastien Ogier co-driven by Julien Ingrassia struggle, ceding ground to young Toyota teammate Takamoto Katsuta, the Safari Rally Kenya proved a hard nut to crack for the speedsters.