Ogier held off - on his way to his eighth World Cup title

It was set up for Thierry Neuville in the Safari Rally.

But when the Belgian broke down his car on Sunday's first leg, he was forced to break, the conditions changed completely.

Japan's Takamot Katsuta took the lead, but the biggest threat came from behind where teammate in Toyota Sebastien Ogier saw his chance to take a new World Cup victory.

And said and done, Ogier was not late to seize that opportunity.

When all the cars had finished, Ogier was at the top of the podium with his 53rd victory in the World Cup series.

But his first victory in the Safari Rally.

- It has been a fantastic experience.

We had problems last Friday, but had a really good weekend.

The challenge with the Safari Rally has been tough, but we liked it, says Sebastien Ogier after the victory.

On the way to the eighth title

The victory was Ogier's fourth World Cup victory this season, and now extended his lead in the World Cup table when six of twelve competitions are run.

Ogier leads the World Cup with 133 points, 34 points ahead of Elfvyn Evans, and is well on his way to an eighth World Cup title.

- I have a very hard time seeing someone take the title away from him now, says SVT Sports expert Jonas Kruse.

The safari rally was a great triumph for the Toyota team.

Behind Ogier, Takamoto Katsuta took second place, his first podium place in the World Cup series.

Team manager Jari-Matti Latvala was very pleased with the double victory.

- I am very happy, it has been a fantastic weekend. We knew it would be tough, but we have great drivers. We are extremely happy for Takamoto's first podium place. The progress he has made is fantastic, says Latvala.