Ott Tanak Leads Safari Rally Kenya Amid Driver Protest

Ott Tanak leads Safari Rally Kenya after winning the second stage, amidst a driver protest against penalties for swearing. Elfyn Evans won the opening stage, while several drivers, including Fourmaux, encountered setbacks. The upcoming day will feature more challenging stages, crucial for the competitors.

Ott Tanak has taken the lead at the Safari Rally Kenya after securing victory in the second of the day’s stages. His competitors refrained from engaging in interviews as a form of protest against a fine imposed on French driver Adrien Fourmaux for swearing during a televised broadcast.

Fourmaux received a €10,000 ($10,850) penalty per the International Automobile Federation’s (FIA) regulations on foul language. This incident echoes tensions from the previous Formula One season, where several drivers faced similar penalties for inappropriate language.

Welshman Elfyn Evans claimed the inaugural stage in his Toyota, finishing 1.5 seconds ahead of Belgian Thierry Neuville, while Tanak initially placed fourth. Subsequently, Tanak gained momentum, surpassing Japanese driver Takamoto Katsuta by 1.1 seconds in the second stage, establishing a 2.4-second lead over Katsuta in overall standings.

Tanak expressed satisfaction with his performance, especially after Hyundai faced several challenges during the rally. For instance, Fourmaux’s vehicle experienced a battery failure, hindering his ability to participate in the next stage. Neuville also encountered difficulties, nearly rolling his car and incurring a significant time loss.

Kalle Rovanpera, the two-time world champion, ranks fourth overall, trailing Tanak by three seconds. As the drivers brace for a more arduous schedule on Friday, they will tackle eight stages totaling 159.06 kilometers, including a demanding 32.2-kilometer leg along the Great Rift Valley cliffs. Tanak anticipates a challenging day ahead, highlighting the complexity of the course.

In summary, Ott Tanak currently leads the Safari Rally Kenya after notable performances, while drivers collectively protested against FIA penalties for swearing. The day ahead promises significant challenges as competitors face a rigorous lineup of stages. racer performance and adherence to regulations will remain crucial in this competitive event.

Original Source: www.france24.com