Rovanperä Leads Safari Rally Kenya Shakedown Amidst Protests

Kalle Rovanperä led the Safari Rally Kenya shakedown, indicating a return to form after previous race struggles. His time of 04:34.5 surpassed competitors, including Thierry Neuville and Ott Tänak. WRC drivers are protesting communication restrictions over penalties imposed on Adrien Fourmaux, which adds drama to the ongoing competition.

Kalle Rovanperä demonstrated his return to form during the shakedown of the Safari Rally Kenya, showcasing his expertise on gravel with his previous two victories in the event. He completed the 5.16km opening stage with a time of 04:34.5, signaling his competitive edge once more after a sluggish start to the season. Rovanperä’s time outpaced his closest competitor by 1.6 seconds, with Thierry Neuville securing second place with a final pass improvement.

Ott Tänak finished third with a time of 04:36.4, trailing Rovanperä by 1.9 seconds. Toyota’s Takamoto Katsuta achieved fourth place, clocking in at 04:38.0, followed closely by Adrien Fourmaux in fifth. The session saw significant participation from various drivers, indicating a fiercely competitive rally.

In a noteworthy development, WRC drivers, including Neuville, announced they would limit their communications at stage ends as a protest against a €10,000 fine imposed on Adrien Fourmaux for swearing during the previous Rally Sweden. Neuville expressed disappointment over the FIA’s communication regarding Fourmaux’s penalty, stating, “There will be very little communication from us this weekend.”

Grégoire Munster led the charge for M-Sport Ford, placing sixth in the Ford Puma Rally1. He finished ahead of championship leader Elfyn Evans and other notable competitors. The top ten featured strong showings from various teams, underscoring the competitive spirit of this year’s rally.

Kalle Rovanperä’s impressive performance in the Safari Rally Kenya shakedown marks a significant comeback for the two-time world champion, with his expertise on gravel reaffirmed. The drivers’ protest concerning communication restrictions and the penalties illustrated the ongoing tensions within the World Rally Championship. The shakedown revealed a competitive field, indicating an exciting rally ahead.

Original Source: www.wrc.com