Elfyn Evans Triumphs at Safari Rally Kenya, Extends Championship Lead

Elfyn Evans wins the Safari Rally Kenya, extending his championship lead to 36 points. He completed the race in over four hours and 20 minutes, with Hyundai’s Ott Tanak and Thierry Neuville following in second and third. Toyota leads the manufacturers’ championship. Tanak faced mechanical issues, while Neuville noted reliability concerns for his team.

Elfyn Evans of Toyota secured victory at the Safari Rally Kenya, further extending his lead in the World Rally Championship by 36 points. This lead sets a record for drivers after the first three rounds. He, along with co-driver Scott Martin, completed the race in just over four hours and 20 minutes. Hyundai’s Ott Tanak finished second, more than a minute behind, with Thierry Neuville, also from Hyundai, taking third place.

Evans expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome in Kenya during a post-race interview while being celebrated by the Maasai tribe. He highlighted his team’s remarkable efforts and pride in contributing to Toyota’s legacy at this unique rally. This win marks Evans’s second triumph this season, following his success in Sweden, and he has accumulated 88 points, significantly ahead of Neuville’s 52 and Tanak’s 49 points.

In addition to Evans’s triumph, Toyota holds the lead in the manufacturers’ championship with 158 points, compared to Hyundai’s 122 points. Tanak noted the challenging conditions of the rally, which included thunderstorms and rocky segments, expressing his frustration over the mechanical difficulties encountered early in the race. However, he acknowledged his team’s ability to recover and maintain competitive performance.

Neuville commented on the positives of having two Hyundais on the podium while lamenting reliability issues that affected his performance, including a puncture and a driveshaft failure. He emphasized that the resilience demonstrated by both teams during the race reflected their commitment to competing vigorously.

Elfyn Evans’ victory at the Safari Rally Kenya cements his position as a frontrunner in the World Rally Championship. With his consistent performance, including two wins this season, he has established a substantial lead over his competitors. Toyota’s dominance is underscored by their strong showing in both individual and manufacturers’ standings. As the season progresses, challenges remain, particularly concerning vehicle reliability, as highlighted by Neuville’s experience.

Original Source: www.straitstimes.com