Elfyn Evans Secures Victory in Rally Kenya; Ott Tänak Achieves…

Elfyn Evans won the third round of the WRC season in Kenya, marking his second consecutive victory. Ott Tänak placed second, achieving his first podium finish despite early setbacks. The rally showcased strong performances from multiple contenders and placed Evans as the overall points leader.

Elfyn Evans from Toyota secured his second consecutive victory by winning the third round of the season in Kenya. Estonian driver Ott Tänak, representing Hyundai, achieved his first podium finish of the season, finishing in second place over a minute behind Evans. The rally was competitive, with Tänak initially leading the race but facing setbacks due to a broken driveshaft.

Tänak commenced the rally strongly, winning five of the first eight stages and having a commanding 46-second lead entering the ninth stage. However, technical issues saw him drop to third place temporarily, which allowed Evans to seize the opportunity and maintain his lead to clinch victory. The Welshman did not have to exert himself excessively during the latter stages as Kalle Rovanperä, his closest competitor, withdrew from the rally due to a suspension failure.

Despite winning only three stages during the rally, Evans consistently placed within the top three throughout all stages, demonstrating his skill and control. “I want to thank all the Kenyan people for their warm welcome. An incredible rally! I’m very proud to now be a small part of this special rally’s history,” remarked Evans post-race.

Tänak exhibited caution during the final day, opting to secure his second place given the circumstances. Meanwhile, reigning champion Thierry Neuville, also from Hyundai, finished in third place despite accumulating penalties on Friday that affected his performance. French driver Adrien Fourmaux emerged as the stage winner on Sunday, contributing valuable points to Hyundai’s efforts.

In the WRC2 category, Gus Greensmith from Skoda triumphed, finishing seventh overall. The standings post-rally show Evans at the top with 88 points, followed by Neuville with 52 points and Tänak with 49 points. The next round of the World Rally Championship will occur in the Canary Islands from April 24 to 27.

Elfyn Evans’ victory at the Rally Kenya marks a notable achievement in the World Rally Championship season. Ott Tänak’s strong performance reflects promising potential as he secures his first podium this season. With the ongoing competitive season, the standings highlight significant contributors and set the stage for the upcoming rally in the Canary Islands.

Original Source: news.err.ee