Elfyn Evans Secures Landmark Victory and Record Points Lead at Safari Rally Kenya

Elfyn Evans won the Safari Rally Kenya, marking his second victory of the 2025 season and establishing a record points lead in the WRC with 88 points. The challenging rally took place over four days in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, where Evans faced various difficulties including mechanical issues. He is now positioned firmly in the championship race, with notable performances from competitors including Ott Tanak and Thierry Neuville. The next event will be Rally Islas Canarias.

Elfyn Evans emerged victorious at the Safari Rally Kenya, solidifying his lead in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). This triumph marks his second win of the season and establishes a record points lead following three rounds of the competition. Driving the Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 alongside co-driver Scott Martin, Evans finished over one minute ahead of his nearest competitor, Ott Tanak of Hyundai.

The challenging four-day event commenced in Nairobi, traversing the rugged terrain of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, featuring difficult stages marred by ruts, rocks, and adverse weather. Under considerable pressure, Evans assumed the lead after Tanak encountered mechanical issues and maintained his position despite facing his own setbacks, including tire deflations and an electrical problem on the final day. His victory makes him the third British driver to conquer the Safari Rally, joining esteemed legends Colin McRae and Richard Burns.

While Tanak secured second place on the podium, his teammate, and reigning WRC champion Thierry Neuville, took third after overcoming several difficulties throughout the rally, highlighted by a significant time penalty on Friday. Despite the challenges Hyundai faced, securing two podium places was a noteworthy achievement for the team in this event’s history. Conversely, Toyota struggled, with only one car finishing in the top three for the first time since the rally’s return to the WRC.

The competition posed difficulties for several drivers. Kalle Rovanpera, who was in a favorable position for a podium finish, suffered suspension damage and later retired due to electrical issues. Takamoto Katsuta, despite battling punctures and heat exhaustion, also faced misfortune on the final stage, falling to fifth place. In contrast, M-Sport Ford driver Gregoire Munster claimed sixth overall, showcasing resilience despite personal losses leading up to the event.

In WRC2, Gus Greensmith claimed victory following a late-race mishap from Jan Solans, marking his return to form in the season. The win not only adds to the excitement of British rallying but also emphasizes the competitiveness within the WRC2 category. The next challenge for WRC competitors will be the Rally Islas Canarias, which promises a different set of challenges as the championship heads to the Canary Islands in April.

Elfyn Evans’ success in the Safari Rally Kenya has set a new benchmark in the WRC, with the largest points lead recorded after three rounds. Despite various challenges throughout the event, including mechanical issues and adverse conditions, Evans showcased remarkable skill and composure. With two victories in the season thus far, he has emerged as a formidable contender for the championship title. The upcoming Rally Islas Canarias awaits, presenting new challenges for the competition.

Original Source: racer.com