Elfyn Evans Triumphs at Safari Rally Kenya, Extending Championship Lead
Elfyn Evans won the Safari Rally Kenya, extending his World Rally Championship lead to 36 points over Thierry Neuville. Kalle Rovanperä retired due to electrical issues, while Ott Tänak and Neuville finished second and third, respectively. Takamoto Katsuta rolled his vehicle but managed to collect points thanks to spectator assistance. The next rally is scheduled for April in the Canary Islands.
Welsh driver Elfyn Evans achieved a significant milestone by securing victory at the challenging Safari Rally Kenya, further extending his lead in the World Rally Championship. Following his win at the previous round in Sweden, Evans now holds a 36-point advantage over defending champion Thierry Neuville after three of the fourteen rounds in the championship.
Two-time champion Kalle Rovanperä encountered misfortune and retired due to an electrical issue, resulting in a 57-point deficit from Evans. In the Safari Rally, Evans maintained a strategic approach, successfully navigating the obstacles throughout the race, ultimately finishing the 21st and final stage with a commanding lead of one minute and nine seconds over Hyundai’s Ott Tänak, who secured second place.
Neuville’s performance earned him third place, finishing 3 minutes and 32 seconds behind. Evans expressed gratitude towards his team, 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 from Finland claimed fourth place, while Toyota teammate Takamoto Katsuta faced challenges after his vehicle rolled during the final stage. Fortunately, he received assistance from spectators, enabling him to finish and earn 10 crucial points. Katsuta expressed his disappointment, stating, “I don’t know what happened. Just sorry for the team, nothing else.”
Looking ahead, the next event of the WRC World Championship will be the Rally of the Canary Islands, scheduled for the end of April.
Elfyn Evans’ victory at the Safari Rally Kenya highlights his skill and determination, which not only secures him a stronger position in the World Rally Championship standings but also marks a significant achievement in Toyota’s legacy. Despite retirements and challenges faced by competitors, Evans’ measured performance showcases a promising season ahead, with the next rally on the horizon.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
