Elfyn Evans Extends Championship Lead with Safari Rally Victory in Kenya
Elfyn Evans won the Safari Rally Kenya, extending his championship lead to 36 points. His victory marks his second in three races this season, ahead of Hyundai’s Ott Tanak and Thierry Neuville. Despite mechanical troubles, Evans and his team showcased remarkable performance, while Hyundai celebrated a solid podium finish despite reliability concerns.
Elfyn Evans, piloting for Toyota, secured victory at the Safari Rally Kenya, enhancing his lead in the World Championship to an impressive 36 points, an unprecedented achievement after three rounds. Alongside co-driver Scott Martin, they completed the rally in just over four hours and 20 minutes. Hyundai’s Ott Tanak finished in second place while his teammate Thierry Neuville claimed third, with Tanak trailing by over a minute.
In a post-race interview, Evans expressed his gratitude, stating, “Sorry, I can’t hear anything… but I want to say thank you to everyone in Kenya for a very warm welcome, an amazing rally.” He also acknowledged the team’s efforts, remarking, “I have to say a huge well done to the team. They did an amazing job and I’m proud to be a very small part of the history of Toyota and this special rally.”
This triumph marks Evans’s second victory in three races this season, having previously won in Sweden and been the runner-up in Monte Carlo. He currently leads the points standings with 88, well ahead of Neuville at 52 points and Tanak at 49. Additionally, Toyota is at the forefront of the manufacturers’ championship with 158 points, leading Hyundai’s 122 points.
Tanak, reflecting on the challenging rally conditions, stated, “It was an extremely demanding safari this weekend… a bit frustrating after losing a few minutes on Friday. But after this we were able to bring it back together and keep it in one piece… It was a very positive weekend; we scored some good points for the team.”
Neuville acknowledged the achievements by Hyundai, noting two cars on the podium as a positive sign but was dissatisfied with their overall performance. He pointed out issues with reliability, stating, “Reliability was an issue again this weekend, unfortunately,” referencing his puncture and driveshaft failure. Nevertheless, he commended both teams for their resilience, asserting, “But overall having two cars on the podium showed neither of the teams gave up. We fought hard.”
Elfyn Evans’s victory at the Safari Rally Kenya solidifies his dominant position in the World Rally Championship, expanding his lead significantly. His team’s impressive performance and resilience through challenging conditions reflect Toyota’s strength in the competition. Hyundai, despite facing technical difficulties, demonstrated competitiveness by placing two cars on the podium, indicating potential for future improvement in the championship standings.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
