Ott Tanak Takes Command at Safari Rally Kenya Amid Drivers’ Protest

Ott Tanak leads the Safari Rally Kenya, winning the second stage as drivers protest fines for swearing. Elfyn Evans also performed well, and challenges mount for competitors in the coming stages.

Ott Tanak has secured the lead in the Safari Rally Kenya after winning the second stage of the opening day. This event has been somewhat overshadowed by a protest from competitors, stemming from a fine imposed on French driver Adrien Fourmaux for swearing on live television. Such conduct is penalized under the International Automobile Federation’s (FIA) regulations, which have led to tensions in previous racing seasons.

During the initial stages on Thursday, Welsh driver Elfyn Evans, currently leading the championship, claimed victory in the first stage. He achieved a time 1.5 seconds ahead of Belgian competitor Thierry Neuville, with Tanak finishing fourth in that stage. Subsequently, Tanak triumphed over Japanese driver Takamoto Katsuta in the second stage, increasing his lead.

Tanak’s success is significant for Hyundai, who faced various challenges throughout the day. Fourmaux’s situation was exacerbated when his vehicle battery failed, preventing him from starting the next stage. Notably, Neuville also encountered difficulties, nearly overturning his car but managing to complete the stage despite a time loss of nearly 20 seconds.

As they continue in the rally, two-time world champion Kalle Rovanpera holds fourth place, trailing Tanak by 3 seconds. The drivers face a more demanding itinerary on Friday, with eight stages extending across 159.06 kilometers near Naivasha, beginning with a challenging 32.2-kilometer stretch along the Great Rift Valley’s cliffs. Tanak remarked on the challenging nature of the upcoming stage, predicting it would reveal much about the competitors’ performances.

In summary, Ott Tanak has established a strong lead in the Safari Rally Kenya amid a protest from fellow drivers regarding fines for foul language. The rally saw significant performances, notably from Elfyn Evans and Thierry Neuville, while several competitors faced mechanical setbacks. As the rally progresses, tougher challenges await the drivers, highlighting the intense competition in this event.

Original Source: www.france24.com