Elfyn Evans Extends Lead in Unpredictable Safari Rally Kenya

Elfyn Evans expands his lead at the Safari Rally Kenya, holding nearly a two-minute advantage over Ott Tanak. His teammate Kalle Rovanpera’s challenge waned due to mechanical issues, while Thierry Neuville ranks third despite his struggles. The last day features five additional stages, indicating an unpredictable finish to the rally.

In the latest stage of the Safari Rally Kenya, Elfyn Evans from Toyota has extended his lead to nearly two minutes ahead of competitor Ott Tanak from Hyundai. Initially starting the day just 7.7 seconds ahead of teammate Kalle Rovanpera, Evans triumphed in the first two stages, concluding the day with a substantial advantage.

Evans expressed confidence about his position, stating, “It’s definitely been a proper Safari so far. Two minutes: Normally you would say that guarantees you a win but not here. On a rally like Kenya you have to weigh up the risk factor.” His performance on this challenging rally sets him on track for a potential first victory.

Meanwhile, reigning champion Thierry Neuville positioned himself in third, albeit over four and a half minutes behind the leader amidst a day filled with punctures and challenging visibility. He shared his difficulties, saying, “I wasn’t feeling well at all after a bad night and struggled to keep my concentration and do my job, but we kept fighting and we were rewarded with third place overnight.”

Rovanpera faced setbacks when he suffered a front-right tire delamination followed by a front-left puncture, ultimately resulting in damage to his rear suspension in rainy conditions. This left him ranked fifth overall, deviating from his earlier challenge for the lead.

The final day of the rally will feature five more stages, as competitors brace for the unpredictable terrains of Kenya, highlighting the stringent demands of the Safari Rally.

The Safari Rally Kenya has proven to be a dynamic and unpredictable contest, with Elfyn Evans leading significantly as he approaches a possible first victory. Despite the challenges faced by others like Kalle Rovanpera and Thierry Neuville, who each encountered difficulties, they continue to demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity. The final day promises more action with five remaining stages that could see further changes in standings.

Original Source: theprint.in