Elfyn Evans Secures Victory at Safari Rally Kenya, Extending WRC Lead

Elfyn Evans won the Safari Rally Kenya, extending his WRC lead to 36 points. He finished over one minute ahead of Ott Tanak, who faced difficulties. Evans praised his team and received warm support in Kenya. Following this victory, his points total stands at 88. The rally indicates a tightening competition among the top drivers as the calendar progresses to the next event.

Elfyn Evans has triumphed at the Safari Rally Kenya, significantly enhancing his lead in the World Rally Championship (WRC) standings to 36 points after three rounds. This victory marks Evans’s second consecutive win, finishing over one minute ahead of Estonian competitor Ott Tanak. Tanak had initially led the rally before experiencing a driveshaft failure, while Evans’ Toyota teammate, Kalle Rovanpera, retired due to multiple issues.

Evans expressed gratitude towards his team and the Kenyan people, stating, “A huge well done to the team, they did a great job and I’m proud to be a very small part of Toyota’s history at this special rally. I want to say thank you to everyone in Kenya for a very warm welcome and an amazing rally.”

The team, consisting of Evans and co-driver Scott Martin, took a lead of nearly two minutes into the final day of the rally after winning multiple stages. However, they adopted a conservative strategy in light of the rally’s challenging nature, managing to secure their lead despite ceding some time. They completed the rally with a time of 4 hours 20 minutes 3.8 seconds.

Following this event, Evans’s points total rose to 88, securing 25 points for the victory and marking a strong performance after earlier triumphs at the Sweden rally and a second-place finish in Monte Carlo. Defending champion Thierry Neuville now holds second place in the standings with 52 points, while Tanak has moved to third with 49 points.

Josh McErlean faced challenges during his participation but showcased resilience, managing to finish in 11th place and securing one Super Sunday point. With the next round of the calendar set for the Rally Islas Canarias from April 24 to 27, the competition continues to intensify among the drivers.

Elfyn Evans’s victory at the Safari Rally Kenya has solidified his position in the World Rally Championship by extending his points lead to 36. With impressive performances amid adversity, he continues to demonstrate his capabilities. The competitive landscape is evolving, with Neuville and Tanak vying for second, while McErlean’s determination is commendable as he navigates his debut season. Upcoming events, such as the Rally Islas Canarias, promise to provide further excitement.

Original Source: www.bbc.com