Elfyn Evans Secures Back-to-Back Victory at Safari Rally Kenya

Elfyn Evans achieved victory at the Safari Rally Kenya, extending his World Rally Championship lead. This success follows his earlier win in Sweden. With Kalle Rovanpera retiring due to an electrical issue, Evans finished with a significant lead over Ott Tanak, while Thierry Neuville secured third. The next rally will occur in the Canary Islands at the end of April.

Elfyn Evans of Wales secured his second consecutive victory at the challenging Safari Rally Kenya, solidifying his position at the top of the World Rally Championship standings. With this win, Evans has a considerable 36-point advantage over defending champion Thierry Neuville, following his previous triumph in Sweden. Meanwhile, two-time champion Kalle Rovanpera faced setbacks, retiring early due to an electrical failure in his vehicle.

Evans exhibited remarkable control throughout the rally, skillfully navigating the numerous challenges, ultimately finishing the final special stage with a notable lead of one minute and nine seconds over Hyundai’s Ott Tanak. Neuville finished in third place, trailing by three minutes and thirty-two seconds. Evans acknowledged his team’s effort, 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.”

Sami Pajari also performed well, securing fourth place for Toyota, while teammate Takamoto Katsuta encountered difficulties, rolling his car in the final stage. Fortunately, he received assistance from nearby spectators, allowing him to finish the rally and earn ten valuable points. Katsuta expressed regret about the incident, stating, “I don’t know what happened. Just sorry for the team, nothing else.”

The intense competition of the World Rally Championship will continue with the upcoming Rally of the Canary Islands scheduled for late April.

In summary, Elfyn Evans’ victory at the Safari Rally Kenya not only marks his second successive win but also reinforces his commanding lead in the World Rally Championship. Despite the challenges faced by competitors such as Kalle Rovanpera and Takamoto Katsuta, Evans maintained his composure to secure the win, highlighting the importance of teamwork and strategy in rally racing. The anticipation builds as the next event approaches in the Canary Islands.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr