Elfyn Evans Triumphs at Safari Rally Kenya, Expands Championship Lead
Elfyn Evans secured victory at the Safari Rally Kenya, extending his lead in the World Rally Championship to 36 points. This marks his second win of the season, with Toyota leading in the manufacturers’ championship. Challenges faced by competitors illustrate the demanding conditions of the event.
Elfyn Evans of Toyota triumphed at the Safari Rally in Kenya, enhancing his lead in the World Rally Championship by 36 points, a record for drivers after the initial three rounds. Evans, alongside co-driver Scott Martin, completed the rally in just over four hours and twenty minutes, securing victory over Hyundai’s Ott Tanak, who placed second, and Thierry Neuville in third.
During a post-race interview, surrounded by members of the Maasai community celebrating with song and dance, Evans expressed gratitude saying, “I want to say thank you to everyone in Kenya for a very warm welcome, an amazing rally.” He acknowledged his team’s hard work, stating he is proud to be part of Toyota’s legacy in such a significant event.
This victory marks Evans’s second win this season, contributing to his total of 88 points, significantly leading Neuville at 52 points and Tanak at 49. Toyota also maintains the lead in the manufacturers’ championship with 158 points against Hyundai’s 122.
Tanak described the challenging conditions encountered during the rally, mentioning thunderstorms and difficult terrains. “It was a very positive weekend, we scored some good points for the team,” he noted, reflecting on the mechanical issues from the first day.
Neuville recognized the achievement of having both Hyundais on the podium but expressed dissatisfaction over reliability issues, including a puncture and a driveshaft failure. He asserted, “overall having two cars on the podium showed neither of the teams gave up. We fought hard,” highlighting the resilience displayed throughout the race.
In summary, Elfyn Evans’s victory at the Safari Rally Kenya significantly bolstered his lead in the World Rally Championship, reflecting both individual and team successes. Despite challenges faced by competitors such as Tanak and Neuville, the event epitomized resilience and competitive spirit in rally racing. The performance of Toyota and its drivers showcased their determination to succeed in the championship.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
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