Elfyn Evans Achieves Historic Victory at the 2025 Safari Rally Kenya

Elfyn Evans claimed victory at the 2025 Safari Rally Kenya, marking his second consecutive win in the WRC. He leads the championship by 36 points over Thierry Neuville, who secured third place. The event featured a mix of challenges, including technical difficulties for competitors like Tänak and Katsuta, and highlighted the ongoing rivalry between Toyota and Hyundai in the manufacturers’ standings.

Elfyn Evans achieved a significant milestone by winning the 2025 Safari Rally Kenya, securing his first consecutive victories in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). The Welsh driver demonstrated remarkable skill on the challenging terrain, finishing 1 minute and 9.9 seconds ahead of Estonia’s Ott Tänak. Belgium’s Thierry Neuville finished in third place, marking a record double podium for Hyundai in Africa.

Following this victory, Evans has extended his championship lead to 36 points over Neuville, who gained bonus points on Super Sunday and the Power Stage. Tänak remains in a competitive position, only three points behind Neuville, while Kalle Rovanperä trails with a 57-point gap after retiring on Sunday due to an electrical malfunction.

Evans’ journey to victory was notably steady; he experienced a minor 360-degree spin and an intercom failure on Friday but handled these challenges effectively. Upon reflecting on his triumph, he expressed gratitude for the warm reception in Kenya, stating, “I want to say thank you to everyone in Kenya for a very warm welcome and an amazing rally.”

Tänak, the 2019 champion, initially led the rally but faced a setback when his driveshaft broke. Nevertheless, he capitalized on Rovanperä’s suspension issues to secure a second-place finish. Neuville faced adversities as well, including technical issues that delayed him significantly, yet he managed to secure third place, contributing essential points to his championship pursuit.

Heartbreak ensued for Japan’s Takamoto Katsuta. While attempting to gather Power Stage bonus points, he rolled his Toyota, causing him to lose his anticipated fourth place finish. Despite the assistance from spectators to re-right his car, the damage was insurmountable, leading to his retirement. He expressed his regret, stating, “I don’t know what happened. Just sorry for the team, nothing else.”

Furthermore, M-Sport Ford’s Grégoire Munster claimed the fifth position despite facing a gearbox change due to a sudden loss of speed. As the 2025 WRC season builds momentum, Evans’ victory in Kenya firmly establishes his leadership in the championship, setting the stage for further intense competition between Toyota and Hyundai in future rallies.

In conclusion, Elfyn Evans’ victory at the 2025 Safari Rally Kenya not only marks his second consecutive win but also solidifies his position at the top of the WRC standings. With formidable performances from Neuville and Tänak, the championship race remains competitive. The rally showcased significant challenges, and despite setbacks, several drivers demonstrated resilience, teasing an exciting continuation of the season ahead.

Original Source: www.tv47.digital