Elfyn Evans Achieves Record-Setting WRC Points Lead After Safari Rally Kenya Win
Elfyn Evans clinched victory at the Safari Rally Kenya, strengthening his lead in the WRC with a record points advantage after three rounds. He outpaced Hyundai’s Ott Tanak and secured his second win of the season amidst challenging conditions. Evans now leads the championship standings by 36 points, with Toyota maintaining its stronghold on the event.
Elfyn Evans triumphed in the Safari Rally Kenya, significantly strengthening his position in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) on Sunday. The Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 driver, alongside co-driver Scott Martin, won by a notable margin of 1 minute and 9.9 seconds over Hyundai’s Ott Tanak, marking his second win of the season and achieving the largest championship lead recorded after three rounds in WRC history.
Evans entered the event with momentum from a prior victory in Sweden and a second-place finish in Monte Carlo. The Welshman now holds a commanding 36-point lead in the WRC drivers’ standings after the third of fourteen rounds, establishing a clear gap from his competitors.
The challenging rally lasted four days, starting in Nairobi and traversing the harsh terrain of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, characterized by treacherous ruts, rocks, and adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain and mud. Evans gained the lead on Friday, benefiting from Tanak’s misfortune, who faced a mechanical failure.
Despite facing challenges like tire deflations and electrical issues, Evans maintained his lead against Tanak, who attempted to close the gap during the final stages. With this victory, Evans joins a select group of British drivers who have won the Safari Rally, alongside notable names such as Colin McRae and Richard Burns. This victory also marked Toyota’s 13th win at the Safari Rally and its fifth consecutive success since the event’s return to the WRC in 2021.
“An amazing rally, I have to say,” remarked Evans. “Huge well done to the team – they did an amazing job, and I’m proud to be a very small part of Toyota’s history on this incredible rally.” Tanak secured second place while his teammate Thierry Neuville finished a distant third after experiencing dramatic events throughout the rally.
Further down the standings, Takamoto Katsuta, who faced multiple punctures, rolled on the final stage but managed to finish fifth, while Gregoire Munster achieved sixth place after overcoming a gearbox issue. In the WRC2 category, Gus Greensmith won his first points of the 2025 season after his rival Jan Solans rolled out on the final leg.
The next round of the WRC is set to take place in the Canary Islands from April 24-27, presenting a new challenge for all competitors. The results of this rally considerably impacted the drivers’ and manufacturers’ championships, with notable standings reflecting Evans’ strong performance.
In conclusion, Elfyn Evans has solidified his frontrunner status in the WRC by winning the challenging Safari Rally Kenya, attaining a record points lead early in the season. His resilience, coupled with Toyota’s continued dominance in the rally, has set a high bar for upcoming rounds, particularly as the teams prepare for new challenges ahead in the Canary Islands. Evans’ accomplishment not only highlights his skills but also enhances Toyota’s legacy in the sport.
Original Source: racer.com
