Ott Tanak claimed the lead in the Safari Rally Kenya after winning the second stage despite competitors protesting FIA’s language rules. Elfyn Evans won the first stage, while drivers minimised interviews in solidarity with Adrien Fourmaux, who was fined for swearing. The upcoming stages promise to be arduous as participants anticipate more challenges.
Ott Tanak seized the lead in the Safari Rally Kenya on Thursday, winning the second of the day’s two stages. This occurred amidst a notable silence from competitors who were protesting against the fine imposed on French driver Adrien Fourmaux for using inappropriate language during a live broadcast. The fine, amounting to €10,000 ($10,850), stemmed from comments made during Rally Sweden, leading drivers to minimize their media interactions.
The imposition of rules regarding foul language had previously caused friction in Formula One, highlighted by Max Verstappen’s community service for swearing and Charles Leclerc’s similar fine. During the Safari Rally, Welsh driver Elfyn Evans, leading the championship, won the opening stage, finishing 1.5 seconds ahead of Belgian competitor Thierry Neuville, while Tanak placed fourth. In the second stage, Tanak narrowly defeated Japanese driver Takamoto Katsuta, taking the lead with a 2.4-second advantage after 12.91 kilometers.
Tanak, the 2019 world champion, successfully represented Hyundai despite the team’s earlier challenges. Fourmaux’s inability to start the second stage due to battery issues exemplified those struggles. Belgian driver Neuville faced his own difficulties, sustaining damage and losing nearly 20 seconds on stage two after precariously balancing on two wheels. Two-time world champion Kalle Rovanpera was placed fourth overall, just three seconds behind Tanak.
Looking to the following day, drivers will encounter a more demanding set of challenges across eight stages totaling 159.06 kilometers near Naivasha. The day commences with a lengthy 32.2-kilometer run along the Great Rift Valley cliffs, which Tanak anticipates will be particularly testing. “I think the first stage tomorrow will show quite a lot. It’s super tricky, very demanding and long at the same time,” he stated, foreseeing an exhilarating day ahead.
Ott Tanak’s performance in the Safari Rally Kenya has positioned him as a leading contender amidst a backdrop of protests regarding language regulations. The rally continues with significant challenges ahead, and drivers are preparing for a demanding series of stages. The overarching theme remains the tension surrounding FIA rules, as competitors navigate both the rally course and the implications of their public statements.
Original Source: www.france24.com
