[1/4] Rallying - World Rally Championship - Safari Rally Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya - June 23, 2022 - A helicopter follows French Toyota driver Sebastien Ogier and co-driver Benjamin Veillas in action during side-by-side super special racing stage at Kasarani.
REUTERS/Monicah MwangiJune 23 (Reuters) - Toyota's Sebastien Ogier led after the first leg of Kenya's Safari Rally on Friday while Hyundai's title contender Thierry Neuville smashed his car's suspension and retired from the day's action.
Eight times world champion Ogier, who is competing part-time this season, was 22.8 seconds clear of team mate and 2022 winner Kalle Rovanpera after the day's six stages over rutted, rocky and sandy tracks.
Except for the hybrid issue this morning we had a perfect day, so we can be happy," said the Frenchman, who had been only 2.5 seconds clear of Rovanpera at midday service in Naivasha.
The rally, celebrating its 70th anniversary, started with a stage in Nairobi on Thursday.
Persons:
Sebastien Ogier, Benjamin Veillas, Monicah, Toyota's Sebastien Ogier, Thierry Neuville, Ogier, Kalle Rovanpera, It's, Frenchman, Elfyn Evans, Neuville, Hyundai's Dani Sordo, Alan Baldwin, Toby Davis
Organizations:
Safari, Toyota, REUTERS, Belgian, Rovanpera, Thomson
Locations:
Kenya, Nairobi, Kasarani, Naivasha, Belgian Neuville, Sardinia, Neuville, Lake Naivasha, London