Elfyn Evans Triumphs at Safari Rally Kenya, Extends WRC Lead

Elfyn Evans won the Safari Rally Kenya, increasing his WRC lead to 36 points after three rounds. He finished over a minute ahead of Ott Tanak, who faced technical difficulties. Despite losing some time on the final day, Evans secured his second consecutive win, bringing his points total to 88. Josh McErlean also showed improvement, finishing 11th amidst challenges.

Elfyn Evans secured victory at the Safari Rally Kenya, extending his lead in the World Rally Championship (WRC) standings to 36 points after three rounds. This win marks the first back-to-back victory in Evans’ career, finishing over a minute ahead of Ott Tanak. Tanak, despite leading earlier in the race, suffered a driveshaft failure, while Evans’ teammate, Kalle Rovanpera, retired due to multiple issues.

Expressing gratitude, Evans stated, “A huge well done to the team, they did a great job and I’m proud to be a very small part of Toyota’s history at this special rally. I want to say thank you to everyone in Kenya for a very warm welcome and an amazing rally.”

Evans, alongside co-driver Scott Martin, secured a significant lead after winning the opening stage and two on Saturday. They entered Sunday with just under a two-minute advantage. To ensure safety amidst the challenging rally conditions, they adopted a cautious approach in the final stages, ultimately finishing one minute and 9.9 seconds ahead of Tanak.

Although Evans accrued only two points on Sunday, his victory awarded him 25 points, boosting his total to 88. This follows his win in Sweden and a second place at the Rallye Monte Carlo. Last year’s champion, Thierry Neuville, moved to second place with 52 points, while Tanak is now third with 49 points.

In his debut WRC season, Northern Ireland’s Josh McErlean faced challenges but ultimately performed well, finishing 11th and earning one Super Sunday point. He had experienced a setback on Saturday with a broken steering arm but rebounded to deliver his best time on stage 15.

The next event in the 14-race calendar is the Rally Islas Canarias, scheduled from April 24 to April 27.

Elfyn Evans’ victory at the Safari Rally Kenya has solidified his lead in the WRC standings, showcasing his resilience and skill. This strategic win amidst challenges faced by competitors emphasizes not only his driving prowess but also the effectiveness of teamwork. As the championship progresses, the dynamics among top drivers are expected to evolve, promising thrilling contests ahead.

Original Source: www.bbc.com