Rovanpera seals Safari Rally in a Toyota 1-2

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Nairobi, Kenya | AFP

Double world champion Kalle Rovanpera avoided any late trouble to wrap up a comfortable win in the Safari Rally Kenya on Sunday.

The 23-year-old Toyota driver had stamped his authority on the punishing third rally of the season from the start.

Cleaning up in all six stages around Lake Naivasha on Friday allowed Rovanpera to take his foot off the gas over the weekend and coast to a second success in the event.

He led home a Toyota 1-2 with teammate Takamoto Katsuta second at 1min 38sec. Ford's Adrien Fourmaux completed the podium in Nairobi.

"It’s always special to win here," Rovanpera said.

"Also, a legendary event for Toyota. We've always been so good here and that's continuing. Like they say in Africa: the car in front is always a Toyota!" he added.

Hyundai's Thierry Neuville had a taxing time with mechanical issues but sealed the closing power stage and its extra five points.

The Belgian maintained his lead in the world championship by three points from Toyota's Elfyn Evans, fourth in Kenya.

The WRC season moves next to Zagreb for the Croatia Rally from April 18-21.