Elfyn Evans won the Safari Rally Kenya, marking his second victory this season and establishing the largest lead in WRC history after three rounds. Driving the Toyota GR Yaris Rally1, he finished ahead of Ott Tanak by 1m9.9s. Evans’ win reinforces his strong position in the championship, now holding a decisive 36-point advantage over his competitors. The rally was notably challenging, featuring difficult terrains and adverse weather conditions.
Elfyn Evans triumphed at the Safari Rally Kenya, a remarkable achievement in the FIA World Rally Championship. Driving the Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 with co-driver Scott Martin, he secured victory over Hyundai’s Ott Tanak by a significant margin of 1m9.9s. This win marks his second of the season and establishes the largest championship lead ever recorded after three rounds of a WRC campaign, placing Evans firmly ahead in the race for the title.
Evans entered the Safari Rally riding high from recent successes, including a victory in Sweden and a second-place finish in Monte Carlo. Now leading the WRC drivers’ standings with a 36-point edge over his closest rivals, the Welshman has distinguished himself in the championship through his performance in the season’s third round.
The rally spanned a challenging four days, starting in Nairobi and venturing into the harsh terrain of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. Competitors faced demanding stages characterized by damaging ruts and rocks, deep dust, and adverse weather conditions, including heavy rain and mud. Evans took the lead late on Friday after Tanak experienced drivetrain trouble and demonstrated resilience throughout the event, overcoming tire issues and managing electrical faults to secure victory.
Evans’ win places him alongside two British legends, Colin McRae and Richard Burns, as one of the few British drivers to win the Safari Rally. The victory now totals Toyota’s 13th win at the event and represents the manufacturer’s fifth consecutive triumph since the rally’s return to the WRC in 2021.
“An amazing rally, I have to say,” said Evans, expressing gratitude towards his team for their exceptional support throughout the competition. Tanak finished second, with reigning WRC champion Thierry Neuville taking third after enduring several penalties during the rally’s progression.
Kalle Rovanpera, who had been strong in second place, suffered rear suspension damage and subsequently retired, leaving him far behind Evans in the championship standings. In WRC2, Gus Greensmith seized the class victory following an unfortunate error by his rival, Jan Solans, solidifying a successful outing for British rallying.
Looking ahead, the next challenge in the WRC season will be the Rally Islas Canarias, set in the Canary Isles from April 24-27. This upcoming event poses a new set of challenges for competitors as they transition to an all-asphalt rally format, promising exciting competition and further opportunities for teams to showcase their abilities in the championship.
In summary, Elfyn Evans’ victory at the Safari Rally Kenya represents a significant achievement in the FIA World Rally Championship, providing him with the largest lead in the current standings. His performance, alongside notable resilience and team support, has further secured his status as a leading contender for the title. With the upcoming Rally Islas Canarias on the horizon, anticipation builds for the continuation of an exhilarating season in rallying.
Original Source: racer.com
