Ogier maintains lead as Toyota dominates third day action in 'Vasha'

Kalle Rovanpera from Finland navigated by Jonne Halttunen driving Toyota Yaris crosses a river at Soysambu Ranch during WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2023 event on June 24, 2023.[Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Former world champion Ott Tanak had his windscreen covered in mud and had to race most of the section through guess work.

"It was so muddy that I ran out of washer fluid so I had no visibility for the last 20 km," Tanak said.

Both Katsuta and Pierre Louis Loubet (Ford Puma) went off road while Esapekka Lappi (Hyundai), Evans and Oliver Solberg (Skoda Fabia) were slowed down by punctures which they had to eventually change.

"Sometimes you are not in control, the car was just going everywhere because of the mud and the water," Katsuta said.

Lappi, who was forced into retirement, said: "I have never experienced anything like this before. When you see the puddles and mud, you brake like absolutely everything and then you see if you survive."

Dani Sordo added: "It was really slippery in some places with a lot of muddy sections. In the really fast corners the car was completely sideways with no control.

"The conditions were really difficult, it was like ice - amazing. This rally is on another level."

At the same time, George Vassilakis and Kenya's Aakif Virani were slapped with penalties for being late in the loop at the Time Control by a minute and eight minutes respectively.

Kenya's champion Karan Patel was fined Sh155,000 for not complying with World motorsports governing body FIA standards in the championship.

The final day today will see the drivers cover other six stages including Malewa 1 (8.33 km), Oserian 1 (18.33 km), Hell's Gate 1 (10.53 km), Malewa 2 (8.33 km), Oserian 2 (18.33 km) and the Hell's Gate 2 (Wolf Power Stage) (10.53 km).