Elfyn Evans won the 2025 Safari Rally Kenya, marking his second consecutive WRC win. He extended his championship lead, maintaining a 36-point advantage over Thierry Neuville, while Ott Tänak trailed closely behind. Despite difficulties, Neuville secured third place, contributing to Hyundai’s remarkable podium finish. Takamoto Katsuta faced disappointment, retiring after an accident. The rally showcased intense competition among manufacturers as the WRC season progresses.
Elfyn Evans achieved a significant milestone by winning the 2025 Safari Rally Kenya, marking his first consecutive victories in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). Demonstrating skillful navigation through the demanding terrain, the Welsh Toyota driver outpaced Estonia’s Ott Tänak by 1 minute and 9.9 seconds, while Belgium’s Thierry Neuville claimed third place, contributing to Hyundai’s inaugural double podium finish on African soil.
Despite Neuville and Tänak earning more bonus points in the Super Sunday and Power Stage, Evans successfully extended his championship lead to 36 points over Neuville, who remained a further three points ahead of Tänak. Finnish two-time champion Kalle Rovanperä trails significantly, sitting 57 points behind after retiring due to an electrical failure on Sunday.
In the manufacturers’ championship, Toyota’s lead over Hyundai decreased to 26 points, following Hyundai’s impressive performance, which allowed them to gain 22 points in Kenya. Evans’ victory demonstrated strategic resilience; aside from a minor 360-degree spin and an intercom malfunction on Friday, he managed to maintain his lead effectively.
Evans graciously acknowledged the support from local fans, stating, “I want to say thank you to everyone in Kenya for a very warm welcome and an amazing rally. 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.”
Tänak, the former WRC champion, began strong but faced difficulties when his Hyundai’s driveshaft failed. Nevertheless, he capitalized on Rovanperä’s misfortunes, ultimately securing a second-place finish. Neuville, despite enduring a rough start due to critical repairs and delays, managed a commendable recovery to finish third, thereby accruing essential championship points.
Takamoto Katsuta from Japan unfortunately experienced a setback on the final stage. Set to finish fourth and maintain an impressive streak, he rolled his Toyota while contending for Power Stage points, ultimately leading to his retirement after efforts to reset the vehicle were unsuccessful. Katsuta expressed his disappointment, noting, “I don’t know what happened. Just sorry for the team, nothing else.”
In summary, M-Sport Ford’s Grégoire Munster completed the rally in fifth place, although he faced his own challenges, including a last-minute gearbox change. As the competition heats up in the 2025 WRC season, Evans’ triumph in Kenya reinforces his status as the championship frontrunner, with both Toyota and Hyundai engaged in a competitive battle for manufacturer supremacy. The anticipation builds for the upcoming rally, promising further thrilling encounters.
In conclusion, Elfyn Evans’ triumph at the 2025 Safari Rally Kenya stands as a pivotal moment in his WRC campaign, underscoring his strategic prowess and the challenges faced by his competitors. With a solid lead in the championship, as well as Toyota’s continued dominance contrasted by Hyundai’s formidable performance, the upcoming rallies in the season are poised to deliver more excitement and fierce competition.
Original Source: www.tv47.digital
