Kankkunen Celebrates Toyota’s 100th WRC Start with Safari Rally Win in Kenya

Kankkunen’s recent involvement in Toyota’s Safari Rally victory marks a milestone celebration of their 100th WRC start. Elfyn Evans and Scott Martin secured the win, while Kankkunen reminisced about his own past triumphs, reflecting on the challenging nature of the rally.

Kankkunen, stepping in for Jari-Matti Latvala, celebrated a significant victory as Toyota achieved its fifth consecutive Safari Rally win in Kenya, with Elfyn Evans and co-driver Scott Martin clinching the title on Sunday. This accomplishment also marked a historic moment for Toyota, being their 100th start in the World Rally Championship (WRC) since their return in 2017.

Reflecting on this milestone, Kankkunen, a three-time winner of the challenging African rally in the 1980s and 1990s, expressed his emotions regarding the victory. He stated, “I’m really happy that we managed to win the 100th WRC rally for the team and that I could celebrate another Toyota win on the Safari Rally, 40 years after my first victory here. It really brought tears to my eyes.”

Despite the shorter modern version of the Safari, Kankkunen noted that it still posed a significant challenge. He remarked, “Among the modern-day, shorter Safari rallies, this was absolutely the toughest one I have seen,” emphasizing the continuous action that heightened his nerves during the event.

Kankkunen also acknowledged the team’s challenges on the final day, commenting, “We were maybe a little bit unlucky compared to previous years, especially on this final day, but the most important thing is that we managed to win this rally for Toyota once again.” He praised Elfyn and Scott for their remarkable start to the season, highlighting their excellent performance throughout the rally.

In summary, Kankkunen’s return to the Safari Rally exemplifies a significant milestone for Toyota as they celebrate their 100th WRC start. The victory not only reinforces Toyota’s prowess in the championship but also brings nostalgic joy to Kankkunen, who reflects on his illustrious past in the sport. The rally, although shorter, remained a formidable test for the contemporary drivers, showcasing the team’s resilience and skill while paving the way for a successful season ahead.

Original Source: www.wrc.com