Takamoto praying for dry conditions in Naivasha

Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT's Japanese driver Takamoto Katsuta steers his Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 with Irish co-driver Aaron Johnston during the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally Kenya Special Stage in Nairobi on March 20, 2025. [AFP]

Japanese speedster Takamoto Katsuta is hoping to win the 2025 WRC Safari Rally if dry weather conditions prevail after a heavy downpour on Mzabibu and Kasarani 2 areas on Day 1 on Thursday.

Takamoto, who is a member of the Toyota Racing Team, said the rains hampered his strategy. 

"Driving through slippery conditions is at times harder, but we managed to make it at the end of it on Day 1 when it rained heavily in the two areas (Mzabibu and Kasarani 2). But we can win this rally if dry weather conditions prevail," Takamoto told Standard Sports.

At the end of Day 1 on Thursday, Takamoto registered 9.54.7 to finish second behind Ott Tanak of Hyundai Racing Team, who recorded 9.52.3 to take an early lead in the competition.

"I prefer dusty conditions as racing in rainy conditions is very, very difficult for me in Kenya and particularly in Naivasha. But since we still have a long way to go, we could recover (on where we lost) on Days 2 and 3," he said.

The Japanese said he had received lots of challenges  in wet weather conditions on Day 1 but was happy to have fixed his car after that.

"I fixed my car with proper tyres ready to tackle these conditions (wet) before I reverted on the road," he said.

On Friday, Ott Tanak admitted the rally was demanding and that any of the top drivers could win.

"Everyone you see in Naivasha is tough and experienced. We are all good, and we came to win," Tanak said when asked who his greatest challenger in the world's toughest and roughest rally.

Takamoto also shared the same sentiments.

"All of us are good in one way or the other, but we must admit no one came here to lose," Takamoto said.

He said this year's rally was the longest in the WRC series of rallies since the Safari Rally made a comeback to the global forum at 383.1 km, which included new rally routes.

And just like Takamoto, Tanak also favours dry conditions, unlike five-time Safari Rally winner Carl 'Flash' Tundo.

"I pray it rains in most of these sections in the four days of the rally. This is best suited for me. And if that comes to pass, I promise to win the rally," Tundo said in a pre-rally interview.