Elfyn Evans Secures Lead as Safari Rally Kenya Challenges Competitors

Elfyn Evans took the lead at Safari Rally Kenya after a challenging second day where many rivals faced issues. Although he was not the fastest, he ended the day 7.7 seconds ahead of teammate Kalle Rovanpera, who spun. Ott Tanak and Thierry Neuville faced mechanical problems and penalties, respectively, affecting their standings.

In a gripping second day of the Safari Rally Kenya, Elfyn Evans, the championship leader, tactically navigated through challenges, seizing the lead late in the race. Despite not being the fastest on any of the eight stages, Evans finished the day with a 7.7-second lead over his Toyota teammate, Kalle Rovanpera, who experienced a significant spin during the race.

Ott Tanak, who had mechanical issues while in a commanding position, ended the day in third. Defending champion Thierry Neuville faced a series of penalties and concluded the day in fourth place. Evans remarked, “It’s been a difficult day and we’ve erred on the side of caution. I keep reminding myself where we are.”

Rovanpera’s misfortune occurred when he spun on a narrow section during the fourth stage, losing valuable time. Tanak, who had been leading overnight, started strongly but faced a driveshaft issue on a crucial stage, resulting in a loss of over a minute and subsequently struggling in the final stages.

Neuville began his day with a one-minute penalty due to lateness caused by a gearbox change. He further incurred a 10-second penalty for requiring a jump start and a 50-second penalty for being delayed before the sixth stage. Saturday’s racing consists of six stages covering a total distance of 146.50 kilometers.

The second day of Safari Rally Kenya showcased Elfyn Evans’ strategic approach, allowing him to capture the lead despite the day’s difficulties. Rivals faced various setbacks, particularly Ott Tanak and Thierry Neuville, while Evans emphasized the importance of caution in such a demanding environment. As the rally progresses, maintaining competitive agility will be crucial for all participants.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr