Elfyn Evans Extends Lead as Chaos Unfolds in Safari Rally Kenya

Elfyn Evans leads the Safari Rally Kenya with a significant margin over Ott Tanak, following a chaotic Saturday. Thierry Neuville is in third, while Kalle Rovanpera’s challenges have dropped him to fifth. The final day includes five more stages, with Evans aiming for victory amidst uncertain conditions.

Elfyn Evans of Toyota, currently leading the championship, is on track for a potential victory in the Safari Rally Kenya, holding a substantial lead of nearly two minutes over Hyundai’s Ott Tanak. Evans began the day with a narrow 7.7-second edge over teammate Kalle Rovanpera but quickly established dominance by winning the first two stages.

As the day progressed, Evans ultimately expanded his lead to one minute and 57.4 seconds over Tanak, putting him in a strong position for his first Safari win. He remarked, “It’s definitely been a proper Safari so far. Two minutes: Normally you would say that guarantees you a win but not here. On a rally like Kenya you have to weigh up the risk factor.”

Thierry Neuville, the reigning champion from Hyundai, secured third place but is trailing significantly, over four and a half minutes behind the leader. Neuville faced numerous challenges including punctures and unfavorable weather conditions. He acknowledged, “I wasn’t feeling well at all after a bad night… but we kept fighting and we were rewarded with third place overnight.”

Kalle Rovanpera’s aspirations of overtaking the lead were hampered by mechanical issues, including a tyre delamination and a puncture that left him struggling in poor weather conditions. Subsequently, he fell to fifth place overall. The rally will conclude on Sunday with five remaining stages.

Elfyn Evans is poised to secure his first Safari Rally victory, leading with a nearly two-minute gap over Ott Tanak. The challenging conditions have tested competitors, as exemplified by Thierry Neuville’s struggles, while Kalle Rovanpera’s hopes were diminished by mechanical failures. The final day of the rally promises additional suspense as it features five more stages.

Original Source: theprint.in