Elfyn Evans Claims Victory in Safari Rally Kenya, Boosts WRC Lead

Elfyn Evans won the Safari Rally Kenya, extending his lead in the WRC to 36 points. He recorded his first back-to-back victories, finishing ahead of Ott Tanak. Evans and co-driver Scott Martin took a conservative approach during the final stages, ultimately winning the rally and increasing their points total to 88, while competitors Neuville and Tanak followed behind in the standings.

Elfyn Evans triumphed in the Safari Rally Kenya, amplifying his lead in the World Rally Championship (WRC) standings to 36 points after three rounds. This victory marks his first consecutive wins in the WRC, as he finished over a minute ahead of competitor Ott Tanak from Estonia. Tanak had previously led the race but encountered a driveshaft failure on Friday, while Evans’ teammate Kalle Rovanpera had to retire due to multiple issues.

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.” He also acknowledged the support received in Kenya, describing the event as an “amazing rally.” After gaining a substantial lead following the opening stages, Evans and co-driver Scott Martin opted for a conservative approach during the final five stages to secure their victory.

Despite sacrificing 47 seconds on the last day, Evans’ final time was 4 hours, 20 minutes, and 3.8 seconds, placing him well ahead of Tanak at +1 minute and 9.9 seconds, while Thierry Neuville finished third at +3 minutes and 32 seconds. Overall, Evans scored 25 points for this win, bringing his total to 88 points this season, following his previous victory in Sweden and a second-place finish in Monte Carlo.

Neuville has climbed to second position in the standings with 52 points, while Tanak holds third with 49 points. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland’s Josh McErlean faced challenges in his inaugural WRC season but managed to achieve his best performance in a Rally1 car by securing the second-best time on stage 15, ultimately finishing 11th in Kenya.

The next event in the WRC calendar will be the Rally Islas Canarias, taking place from April 24-27, as the competition continues throughout the 14-race season.

In conclusion, Elfyn Evans’ victory at the Safari Rally Kenya has significantly strengthened his lead in the WRC standings, showcasing his skill and strategic approach throughout the competition. Following a stellar performance, he now leads the championship with 88 points. Competitors such as Neuville and Tanak continue to pursue, emphasizing the competitive nature of this racing season. The upcoming Rally Islas Canarias promises to be another exciting event as drivers seek to enhance their positions.

Original Source: www.bbc.com