Ott Tanak Establishes Lead in Safari Rally Kenya Amid Driver Protests
Ott Tanak leads the Safari Rally Kenya following his performance in the second stage. Drivers protest by minimizing interviews after Adrien Fourmaux was fined for inappropriate language. The competition heats up as the rally progresses, with greater challenges anticipated on the following day.
Ott Tanak took the lead in the Safari Rally Kenya on Thursday following a strong performance in the second stage of the opening day. However, the atmosphere among competitors remained tense as they refrained from giving interviews in protest of a fine issued to French driver Adrien Fourmaux for inappropriate language. Fourmaux was penalized 10,000 euros ($10,850) for using vulgar language on live television during Rally Sweden.
The drivers’ silence was a reaction to the International Automobile Federation’s strict rules on foul language, which had previously sparked controversies in Formula One. Notably, Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc faced fines for similar offenses last season. On Thursday, Elfyn Evans, the current championship leader, won the opening stage, with Tanak finishing fourth.
Tanak then secured his position by edging out Takamoto Katsuta in the second stage, leading Katsuta by 2.4 seconds overall after the first timed sections. Despite setbacks, Tanak expressed optimism regarding Hyundai’s performance. Fourmaux had technical difficulties that prevented him from starting the second stage, emphasizing that scoring points remains possible, even with a challenging start.
Thierry Neuville, another Hyundai driver, narrowly avoided disaster during stage two, which severely affected his time. Kalle Rovanpera, a two-time world champion, was positioned fourth overall, just behind Tanak. The following day promises increased difficulty for the competitors, featuring eight stages totaling 159.06 kilometers near Naivasha, incorporating a key 32.2 kilometer segment along the Great Rift Valley.
Tanak anticipates an eventful day ahead, stating, “I think the first stage tomorrow will show quite a lot. It’s super tricky, very demanding and long at the same time. I think the whole day will be quite a big show.”
In summary, Ott Tanak has established himself in the lead during the Safari Rally Kenya amid protests from fellow drivers over a fine imposed on Adrien Fourmaux. The atmosphere remains charged as competitors navigate the challenges of the rally with a demanding second day ahead, promising a potential showcase of skill and endurance against a backdrop of controversies surrounding disciplinary actions in motorsport.
Original Source: www.france24.com
