Elfyn Evans Triumphs at Safari Rally Kenya, Extending WRC Lead

Elfyn Evans secured victory at the Safari Rally Kenya, enhancing his lead in the World Rally Championship. With this win, he has a notable 36-point advantage over Thierry Neuville. Kalle Rovanpera faced difficulties, retiring from the race due to car issues. The next WRC event is the Rally of the Canary Islands.

Elfyn Evans, a Welsh driver, claimed victory at the Safari Rally Kenya, further solidifying his lead in the World Rally Championship. This triumph marks his second consecutive win, following his success in Sweden, and he currently maintains a 36-point advantage over defending champion Thierry Neuville.

Kalle Rovanpera, a two-time champion, faces a significant setback, lying 57 points behind Evans after retiring from the race due to an electrical issue with his vehicle. Throughout the rally, Evans displayed exceptional control, successfully navigating the challenges typical of the Safari Rally, finishing the final stage with a remarkable lead of 1 minute and 9 seconds over Ott Tanak of Hyundai.

Evans expressed gratitude towards his team, 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.” Sami Pajari secured fourth place, while Takamoto Katsuta encountered difficulties, rolling his car but receiving assistance from spectators to complete the race and earn valuable championship points.

The WRC World Championship will continue with the Rally of the Canary Islands scheduled for the end of April, marking the next opportunity for drivers to compete for points and standings.

Elfyn Evans’ victory at the Safari Rally Kenya underscores his dominance in the World Rally Championship, as he continues to lead the standings. Evans achieved back-to-back wins, showcasing strategic racing skills in a challenging environment. The upcoming Rally of the Canary Islands offers another critical test for competitors, particularly for those like Thierry Neuville and Kalle Rovanpera, who seek to close the gap behind Evans.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr