During the Kenya Rally, Juha Kankkunen, the team principal of Toyota, revealed that a minor yet crucial part, worth only six euros, significantly halted the performance of their cars. Both drivers, Oliver Solberg and Sebastien Ogier, faced issues after navigating the muddy conditions of the previous special stage, which caused problems with their alternators. The conditions were exceptionally challenging, leading to both cars being unable to reach the service area before the scheduled maintenance time.

Despite the setbacks, Kankkunen expressed that there was still optimism regarding their positioning in the rally, as the team aimed to recover. He acknowledged Solberg's minor gearbox issues, adding to a morning that was less than ideal for the team. He described the unpredictability of the Safari Rally, emphasizing that anything can happen due to the tough terrain, which kept the team on their toes.

As the rally progresses, Kankkunen’s updates underscore the constant challenges and uncertainties faced by rally teams, particularly in the unpredictable environment of the Kenyan terrain. While facing mechanical issues is a common aspect of motorsports, it highlights the fine balance between managing vehicle performance and the realities of the racing conditions necessary for competitors to prepare for throughout the event.