The 2015 Safari Rally winner Jaspreet Chatthe is inches closer to defending the prestigious Safari after taking day two lead.
Chatthe who started Day 2 with two seconds behind day one leader, posted the fastest time of 1hr, 43minutes, 17seconds to take the lead.
He took advantage of Rajbir Rai who had a commanding lead of the day before mechanical issues encountered him in the final stage limiting him to second position; 21seconds behind.
“We have tried to keep the car clean by driving sensibly with no risks of damaging tires or suspensions on the rocky stretches,” said Chatthe.
“We wish to do the same tomorrow to keep our dreams on the right track with the help of our Almighty,” he added.
Tapio Laukkanen despite suffering mechanical issues finished third overall with Carlo Tundo and Ian Duncan in fourth and fifth respectively.
Meanwhile the Safari Rally exhibited its toughness excluding 18 crews on day two.
Day one leader and current KNRC leader Baldev Chager could not go further than stage five due to mechanical problems.
Quentin Mitchell, Issa Amwari, Karan Patel, Tejveer Rai and others were among the victims of Safari Rally toughness.
The final battle commences tomorrow with three stages covering a total competitive distance of 65.74km.
Day 2 Top Six
1. Jassi Chatthe /Gugu Panesar 1:43.17
2. Rajbir Rai/Greg Stead 1:43.38
3. Tapio Laukkanen/Pasi Torma 1;51.06
4. Carl Tundo/Tim Jessop 1:53.47
5. Ian Duncan/Amaar Slatch 1:54.21
6 Onkar Rai/Gareth Dawe 1:55.51