Elfyn Evans Secures Record Points Lead with Safari Rally Kenya Victory
Elfyn Evans won the Safari Rally Kenya, significantly increasing his WRC points lead to 36 points, the largest ever recorded after three rounds. He triumphed over Ott Tanak of Hyundai with a 1m9.9s gap, marking his second win of the season. The victory showcased Evans’ resilience amid challenging conditions, solidifying his position as a top contender in the championship.
Elfyn Evans triumphed in the demanding Safari Rally Kenya, securing his status as a leading contender in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) and significantly enhancing his points lead. Driving the Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 with co-driver Scott Martin, Evans finished 1m9.9s ahead of Hyundai’s Ott Tanak, marking his second win of the season and achieving the largest championship lead recorded after three rounds in WRC history.
Evans entered the rally bolstered by a victory in Sweden and a second-place finish in Monte Carlo, now establishing a 36-point lead in the driver standings after three of fourteen rounds. The rally unfolded over four challenging days, beginning in Nairobi and spanning the harsh environ of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, where participants faced treacherous terrain including ruts, rocks, and heavy weather.
Late on Friday, Evans took the lead after Tanak’s Hyundai i20 N Rally1 suffered a broken driveshaft, and he maintained his position despite encountering tire deflations, spins, and an electrical issue on the final day. His victory makes him only the third British driver to win the Safari Rally, joining renowned figures Colin McRae and Richard Burns; this also marks Toyota’s 13th Safari win and its fifth consecutive triumph since the event’s return to the WRC in 2021.
After the race, an excited Evans expressed gratitude to his team for their incredible support, marking an esteemed chapter in Toyota’s legacy with this historic rally. Tanak secured second place, finishing 2m22.1s behind, amid a series of challenges, including penalties for various infractions during the event. The double podium for Hyundai represents its best performance at the Safari Rally.
Kalle Rovanpera’s bid for podium placement faltered, resulting in his retirement due to an electrical issue, further widening the gap between him and Evans in the championship standings. Despite facing multiple punctures, Takamoto Katsuta initially positioned himself for a fourth-place finish but ultimately dropped to fifth due to a roll in the closing stages of the rally.
M-Sport Ford’s Gregoire Munster finished sixth overall, battling gearbox issues yet achieving his second WRC fastest stage time amidst personal loss prior to the rally’s start, while other M-Sport drivers like Jordan Serderidis and Josh McErlean faced their own difficulties, finishing ninth and just outside the points, respectively.
In WRC2, Gus Greensmith emerged victorious during his first scoring outing of the season, taking advantage of a misfortune for his closest rival Jan Solans. Greensmith’s triumph is a continuation of the British rallying success that day, coinciding with Evans’ overall victory.
The next challenge in the WRC calendar takes participants to the Rally Islas Canarias, which will be held in the Canary Isles from April 24-27, presenting a new set of obstacles for competitors as the championship progresses.
Elfyn Evans has solidified his lead in the WRC drivers’ standings following a momentous victory at the Safari Rally Kenya, where he deftly navigated arduous conditions. His achievement not only marks a significant milestone in his career but also in Toyota’s legacy within the rallying community. With a commanding lead of 36 points, Evans stands poised to challenge his competitors as the season advances, with the next event in the Canary Islands promising new challenges ahead. Consequently, as the WRC unfolds further, both the drivers and their teams will no doubt strive to overcome the obstacles that lie in wait, eager to contend for supremacy in this prestigious championship.
Original Source: racer.com
