Elfyn Evans Claims Landmark Victory at Safari Rally Kenya, Expands WRC Championship Lead

Elfyn Evans won the Safari Rally Kenya, strengthening his lead in the WRC championship with a remarkable 36-point advantage. The Toyota driver finished 1 minute and 9.9 seconds ahead of Ott Tanak, marking his second victory of the season and the largest championship lead after three rounds. The event featured challenging conditions that tested all participants.

Elfyn Evans achieved a significant victory at the Safari Rally Kenya, reinforcing his position in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) title race. Driving the Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 alongside co-driver Scott Martin, Evans clinched his second win of the season, finishing ahead of Hyundai’s Ott Tanak by 1 minute and 9.9 seconds. This triumph also established the largest championship lead ever recorded after three rounds of a WRC season, with Evans now holding a commanding 36-point advantage.

Evans entered the Safari Rally with strong momentum after winning in Sweden and finishing second in Monte Carlo. The rally spanned four days, commencing in Nairobi and traversing the challenging Great Rift Valley, known for its rugged terrain. This year’s event featured stages rife with difficult conditions such as tire-damaging ruts, deep dust, and substantial rainfall that created muddy paths.

The Welshman took the lead on Friday after Tanak encountered a broken driveshaft. Although Evans battled tire issues and a persistent electrical problem, he maintained control and secured the victory. This win makes him the third British driver to emerge victorious in the Safari Rally, joining notable figures like Colin McRae and Richard Burns. It marked Toyota’s 13th win in the event since its WRC reintegration in 2021.

Despite the success, the rally was marked by difficulties for Evans’s competitors. Last year’s WRC champion, Thierry Neuville, finished in third place but faced penalties and mechanical issues. Furthermore, Kalle Rovanpera, who was expected to finish strong for Toyota, fell from second to fifth due to suspension damage and a subsequent retirement.

The event also witnessed M-Sport Ford’s Gregoire Munster finishing sixth overall, in a bittersweet circumstance due to personal loss prior to the rally. Amongst the WRC2 category, Gus Greensmith secured victory on his first points-scoring outing of the season after capitalizing on a mishap from rival Jan Solans.

The construction of the next WRC challenge shifts focus to the Rally Islas Canarias, set to commence on April 24-27. This anticipated rally will represent the championship’s transition to an all-asphalt format in the Canary Islands.

Elfyn Evans’ victory in the Safari Rally Kenya has significantly bolstered his lead in the WRC championship, marking a pivotal moment in the season. His successful navigation of the challenging conditions highlighted both his skill and the team’s capabilities. Meanwhile, the diverse competition experiences offered a dramatic backdrop, with notable performances from both rivals and colleagues in the field. The upcoming Rally Islas Canarias is positioned to be another exciting chapter in the WRC season.

Original Source: racer.com