Elfyn Evans Seizes Lead in Challenging Safari Rally Kenya

Elfyn Evans took the lead in the Safari Rally Kenya after a cautious yet strategic second day, as competitors faced spins and mechanical issues. While not the fastest, he finished ahead of Kalle Rovanpera and Ott Tanak, who struggled with a driveshaft failure. Thierry Neuville incurred multiple penalties, placing fourth. Saturday will involve six sectors totaling 146.50 km.

In the ongoing Safari Rally Kenya, championship leader Elfyn Evans adopted a cautious approach on a challenging second day, ultimately seizing the lead as competitors faced various setbacks. Although Evans did not secure the fastest times on any of the eight stages, he finished the day 7.7 seconds ahead of his Toyota team-mate, Kalle Rovanpera, who experienced a significant spin. Ott Tanak, who encountered mechanical issues while previously leading, ended the day in third place, followed by defending champion Thierry Neuville in fourth after incurring multiple penalties.

Evans remarked on the day’s difficulties, stating, “It’s been a difficult day and we’ve erred on the side of caution. Obviously, some guys have had trouble, which is unfortunate, but it’s part of the Safari. It’s a bit frustrating sometimes because you feel like you can take a bit more risk and go a bit faster, but I keep reminding myself where we are.” Rovanpera’s mishap occurred during the fourth stage, where he spun his vehicle, causing further delays.

Tanak initially led by a significant margin, winning the extended opening stage of 32.30 km and maintaining strong performances in subsequent stages. However, on the penultimate stage, he faced a driveline failure that restricted his car to rear-wheel drive, resulting in a considerable loss of time. Evans commented on Tanak’s misfortune, highlighting the unpredictability of mechanical failures in racing: “It’s a shame for Ott, obviously, to have a mechanical like that. You never know in this game if it’s because the car has had an impact or if it’s just a standard failure. He was going well.” Meanwhile, Neuville struggled with penalties, starting with a one-minute delay due to late arrival following a gearbox adjustment, followed by additional penalties throughout the day.

The Saturday stages of the rally are set to cover six segments, totaling 146.50 kilometers.
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In summary, Elfyn Evans’ strategic caution paid off as he navigated a challenging second day at the Safari Rally Kenya, resulting in an advantageous lead. His competitors faced various adversities, including mechanical issues and penalties, creating a dynamic and unpredictable race environment. Saturday’s continuation will feature a notable distance, emphasizing the ongoing challenges teams face within this grueling rally.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr