Elfyn Evans Achieves Historic Points Lead with Safari Rally Kenya Victory

Elfyn Evans won the Safari Rally Kenya, establishing a record WRC points lead of 36. He secured victory with a time of 4h20m03.8s, finishing ahead of Ott Tanak and Thierry Neuville. This win underscores Toyota’s dominance, marking their 13th Safari Rally success. The WRC now transitions to the Rally Islas Canarias next week.

Elfyn Evans triumphed at the Safari Rally Kenya, securing a significant victory in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) that strengthens his position in the championship standings. The Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 driver, alongside co-driver Scott Martin, finished first, leading Hyundai’s Ott Tanak by 1 minute and 9.9 seconds. This victory marks Evans’ second of the season and establishes the most substantial championship lead after the initial three rounds in WRC history.

Arriving in Kenya with considerable momentum from his previous win in Sweden, Evans now leads the WRC drivers’ standings by an impressive 36 points after attending three of the season’s 14 rounds. This victory unfolded over a challenging four-day route through Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, featuring harsh conditions with treacherous ruts, rocks, and heavy rain.

Evans seized the lead on Friday when Tanak encountered a mechanical setback. He faced challenges during the rally, including tire deflations and a persistent electrical issue on the final leg, but maintained his lead despite Tanak’s attempts to close the gap. With this win, he becomes only the third British driver to conquer the Safari Rally, joining WRC legends Colin McRae and Richard Burns.

Hyundai’s podium finish included Tanak in second place and reigning champion Thierry Neuville in third after facing a series of difficulties including time penalties and car repairs. Notably, Hyundai achieved its best overall result in the Safari with this double podium placement, while Toyota Gazoo Racing faced an unusual situation by not placing more than one car in the top results.

A potential 1-2 finish for Toyota appeared promising until two-time world champion Kalle Rovanpera suffered rear suspension issues, causing him to fall from second to fifth place. His retirement on Sunday due to an electrical problem further widened the point gap in the championship standings.

Takamoto Katsuta managed to remain competitive despite difficulties such as heat exhaustion and multiple punctures, ultimately finishing fifth. Meanwhile, Gregoire Munster from M-Sport Ford completed the rally in sixth place after overcoming gearbox troubles, marking a bittersweet experience following the loss of his grandfather.

In the WRC2 category, Gus Greensmith claimed victory, marking his first points of the season. He took advantage of a final-day miscalculation from rival Jan Solans, who rolled his car, allowing Greensmith to secure a decisive win. Following this event, the championship will advance to the Rally Islas Canarias, introducing an upcoming challenge in the Canary Islands from April 24-27.

Elfyn Evans’s remarkable performance at the Safari Rally Kenya solidifies his status as a frontrunner in the WRC, offering him an unprecedented lead after three rounds. His victory, amidst challenging rally conditions, showcases his skill and the strength of the Toyota team. Moreover, this event marks a significant chapter for Hyundai, achieving its best-ever Safari result, despite the setbacks faced throughout the competition. The anticipation now shifts towards the upcoming Rally Islas Canarias, signaling a new set of challenges ahead.

Original Source: racer.com