Ott Tänak Leads Rally Kenya After Thrilling Thursday Stages

Ott Tänak leads the Rally Kenya following Thursday’s stages, 2.4 seconds ahead of Takamoto Katsuta. Elfyn Evans won the first stage, while Tänak secured the fastest time in the second. The top three competitors, including Gregoire Munster, remain in close contention as the rally continues.

The 2025 World Rally Championship (WRC) season is highlighted this week by the challenging Rally Kenya. After the initial two speed tests on Thursday, Estonian driver Ott Tänak (Hyundai) took the lead, maintaining a 2.4-second advantage over Takamoto Katsuta (Toyota).

The opening special stage was conquered by World Championship leader Elfyn Evans (Toyota), clocking in at 3 minutes 09.09 seconds. Close runners-up included Kalle Rovanperä (Toyota) and Thierry Neuville (Hyundai), both trailing by 1.5 seconds. Tänak secured fourth place in this stage, trailing the leader by 2.2 seconds.

In the second stage, Tänak recorded the fastest time, thus claiming the overall lead. Katsuta emerged as his strongest competitor, having held the lead midway through the course before finishing second, just 1.1 seconds behind. Gregoire Munster (M-Sport Ford) completed the top three, coming in third at 2.3 seconds off the pace.

The overall standings following Thursday’s stages feature Tänak at the forefront, followed by Katsuta at 2.4 seconds behind and Munster at 2.6 seconds behind. Last year’s Safari Rally winner, Kalle Rovanperä, is also within reach, trailing by 3.0 seconds.

Rally Kenya will continue on Friday, commencing at 6:28 a.m. Estonian time.

Ott Tänak from Estonia is currently leading the Rally Kenya after Thursday’s through challenging courses, with Takamoto Katsuta and Gregoire Munster closely behind. The competition remains intense, and the next stages promise further excitement as the rally progresses.

Original Source: news.err.ee