Elfyn Evans Clinches Historic Safari Rally Kenya Victory

Elfyn Evans secured his second consecutive victory at the 2025 Safari Rally Kenya, solidifying his lead in the FIA World Rally Championship. He won by over a minute against Ott Tänak, while Thierry Neuville finished third. Evans’ lead in the championship standings has increased to 36 points over Neuville, as Toyota and Hyundai vie for dominance in the manufacturers’ standings.

On November 4, 2025, Elfyn Evans achieved a significant victory at the Safari Rally Kenya, marking his second consecutive win in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). The Welsh driver, representing Toyota, expertly navigated the challenging course, ultimately defeating Estonia’s Ott Tänak by a margin of 1 minute and 9.9 seconds. Belgian champion Thierry Neuville rounded out the podium in third place, contributing to Hyundai’s first-ever double podium finish in Africa.

Evans has widened his lead in the championship standings, now boasting a 36-point advantage over Neuville, who earned bonus points alongside Tänak during Super Sunday and Power Stage events. Tänak trails by an additional three points, while two-time champion Kalle Rovanperä remains 57 points behind after retiring due to an electrical failure in his Toyota during Sunday’s stages. In the manufacturers’ standings, Toyota’s lead is reduced to 26 points as Hyundai outperformed them by 22 points in Kenya.

Evans’ victory was achieved with relative ease, encountering just a 360-degree spin and an intercom failure on Friday, which he skillfully managed. “I want to say thank you to everyone in Kenya for a very warm welcome and an amazing rally,” commented Evans. He expressed pride in contributing to Toyota’s legacy at this prestigious event.

Though Tänak began the rally in a strong position, his Hyundai suffered a significant setback with a broken driveshaft on Friday. He managed to reclaim some standing, benefiting from Rovanperä’s issues, including a suspension failure that impacted his performance on Saturday.

In contrast, Neuville faced numerous adversities, including a six-minute delay for urgent repairs and multiple penalties that hindered his progress. Despite his struggles, he successfully secured third place, earning crucial points for his ongoing championship pursuit.

Japan’s Takamoto Katsuta was poised to finish fourth, maintaining a remarkable record of top-four finishes at the Safari Rally. However, while attempting to gain Power Stage bonus points, he rolled his car, losing significant time and ultimately retiring from the race. Katsuta expressed his regret, stating, “I don’t know what happened. Just sorry for the team, nothing else.”

M-Sport Ford’s Grégoire Munster finished fifth after a dramatic Sunday, which included an urgent gearbox change due to a sudden loss of speed. With the 2025 WRC season heating up, Evans’ success in Kenya solidifies his status as the championship leader. The competition among manufacturers continues to intensify as the season progresses, promising thrilling action at the next rally.

In conclusion, Elfyn Evans’ victory at the Safari Rally Kenya underscores his skill and determination in the ongoing FIA World Rally Championship. His ability to extend his championship lead, despite fierce competition from Tänak and Neuville, highlights his position as a formidable contender. The rally also showcased the challenges drivers faced in navigating difficult conditions, contributing to a memorable event in the motorsport calendar. With the next round approaching, anticipation builds for further exciting performances.

Original Source: www.tv47.digital