Elfyn Evans Triumphs at Safari Rally Kenya, Strengthens WRC Lead

Elfyn Evans won the Safari Rally Kenya, extending his lead in the World Rally Championship to 36 points. His victory marks back-to-back wins, with a strong performance that put him ahead of competitors including Thierry Neuville and Ott Tanak. Despite difficulties, teammate Takamoto Katsuta successfully finished the race with support from spectators. The next championship round will be held in the Canary Islands.

At the prestigious Safari Rally Kenya, Welsh driver Elfyn Evans secured his second consecutive victory, further establishing his lead in the World Rally Championship. Competing in Naivasha, Evans now leads the championship standings by 36 points, having previously triumphed in Sweden. His main rival, defending champion Thierry Neuville, sits in second place, while two-time champion Kalle Rovanpera trails behind, facing a challenging season after his retirement due to an electrical issue.

Evans executed a strategic race, skillfully navigating the difficult course and completing the final special stage with a commanding time. He finished with a lead of 1 minute and 9 seconds over Ott Tanak of Hyundai, who claimed second place, while Neuville secured third place, finishing 3 minutes and 32 seconds behind Evans. Evans expressed gratitude towards his team for their efforts, 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.”

In the race, Finnish driver Sami Pajari claimed fourth place, and his teammate Takamoto Katsuta, despite facing difficulties and rolling his vehicle during the final stages, managed to finish and earn valuable points thanks to the assistance of nearby spectators. Katsuta expressed regret over the incident, focusing on the impact it had on his team. Looking forward, the next WRC event is slated for the end of April in the Canary Islands.

Elfyn Evans’ victory at the Safari Rally Kenya marks a significant achievement, strengthening his position in the World Rally Championship. His careful driving and strategic planning enabled him to avoid numerous challenges, resulting in a decisive win. The support from his team and the community underlined the spirit of the sport, while the upcoming Rally of the Canary Islands promises to be another exciting event in the championship calendar.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr