Elfyn Evans secured a second consecutive victory at the Safari Rally Kenya, extending his lead in the World Rally Championship to 36 points over Thierry Neuville. Kalle Rovanpera faces a significant deficit after retiring due to mechanical issues. Evans expressed pride in his team’s achievements, while Katsuta’s determination earned him points despite a mishap. The next rally is scheduled for April.
Elfyn Evans triumphed in the challenging Safari Rally Kenya, solidifying his lead in the World Rally Championship. This victory marks Evans’ second consecutive win, following his success in Sweden, and he now enjoys a 36-point advantage over reigning champion Thierry Neuville. After three rounds out of the 14 in the championship, two-time champion Kalle Rovanpera is significantly behind, falling 57 points back due to a Sunday morning retirement caused by an electrical issue with his Toyota.
Evans exhibited strong control throughout the rally, skillfully avoiding numerous obstacles. He completed the final special stage with a commanding 1 minute and 9 seconds lead over Ott Tanak from Hyundai, who finished second. Thierry Neuville secured third place, finishing 3 minutes and 32 seconds behind Evans.
Upon his victory, Evans expressed gratitude to his team, stating, “A huge well done to the team. They did a great job and I’m proud to be a very small part of Toyota’s history at this special rally.” Other notable finishes included Sami Pajari from Toyota in fourth place, trailed by teammate Takamoto Katsuta, who faced challenges during the final stage. Katsuta expressed his apologies to his team for the mishap, despite managing to collect 10 valuable points. The next event in the WRC calendar is the Rally of the Canary Islands scheduled for late April.
Elfyn Evans’s recent victory at the Safari Rally Kenya underscores his strong performance in the World Rally Championship as he builds a significant lead over his competitors. His disciplined driving and control through the demanding terrain highlight both his skill and the effectiveness of his team. As the championship progresses, the upcoming Rally of the Canary Islands promises to be an exciting continuation of the season.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
