Thierry Neuville's dream of emerging victorious at Safari Rally Kenya was shattered in Sunday mornings opening in the Loldia speed test.
Neuville started the 11.3km stage with a lead of close to a minute in his Hyundai i20 over Japanese Takamoto Katsuta but his hope to clinch the African adventure title short-lived after his car rear right suspension hit a rock midway through the test.
Neuville and co-driver Martjin Wydaegte limped to the finish almost 4 seconds ahead of Katusa although they were at the lead the damage was great for them to continue.
Neuville's retirement has handed Katsuta who is yet to score a WRC win a surprise lead.
The Japanese driver has 0.8 seconds advantage over the reigning World Rally Championship champion Sebastien Ogier.
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