Ott Tänak Holds Second Place in Rally Kenya as Final Day Approaches

Ott Tänak is in second place at Rally Safari Kenya, trailing leader Elfyn Evans by 1:57.4 after 16 stages in the 2025 WRC season. Despite previous challenges, Tänak won the final stage of Saturday’s racing. The event is marked by tough conditions, and the last day will feature five more stages.

In the ongoing Rally Safari Kenya, Ott Tänak, representing Hyundai, is currently positioned second, trailing Toyota’s Elfyn Evans by 1:57.4 after the completion of 16 stages. This event marks the third round of the 2025 WRC season and is notable for its challenging gravel terrain, which is affected by seasonal rains and is rich in wildlife.

Tänak began the season with a fifth-place finish at the Monte Carlo Rally, followed by an improved performance at the Rally Sweden, where he secured fourth place. Historically, Tänak has struggled in Kenya, having only reached the podium once in 2021 and never winning the event. Previous winners include Kalle Rovanperä and Sébastien Ogier, both competing for Toyota.

The rally commenced with shakedown runs, in which Tänak finished third, just behind Thierry Neuville. Initially taking the lead on the first full day of stages, Tänak encountered technical difficulties that resulted in him losing ground to Evans. Although he won four stages, a broken drive shaft and tire failure pushed him back significantly.

On Saturday, conditions became increasingly treacherous due to mud and rain. While he managed to record the fourth-best time in earlier stages, his visibility was severely impaired due to a malfunctioning windshield defroster. Nevertheless, fortune smiled on him when Rovanperä sustained a puncture on the 13th stage, allowing Tänak to ascend to second place.

He concluded the day with a commanding win in the 16th stage, gaining time against his competitors, yet Evans maintained a solid lead of nearly two minutes. By the end of Saturday, Neuville had secured third place, while Rovanperä fell to fifth, trailing behind teammate Takamoto Katsuta. The final day of racing will feature five stages, starting early in the morning.

In summary, Ott Tänak has experienced a fluctuating performance in Rally Safari Kenya, currently holding second place but facing significant challenges. With the final day approaching, he aims to close the gap to leader Elfyn Evans, who maintains a substantial lead. The unpredictable weather and rally conditions continue to pose risks for all competitors, and upcoming stages will be critical for final placements.

Original Source: news.err.ee