Evans Extends Lead at Safari Rally Kenya Amidst Competitive Challenges

Elfyn Evans leads the Safari Rally Kenya with a two-minute advantage over Ott Tanak. Josh McErlean faced challenges but showed determination, while Kalle Rovanpera dropped to fifth due to tire issues. Thierry Neuville remains in third despite difficult conditions. The final day includes five more stages.

In the Safari Rally Kenya, Elfyn Evans, the championship leader from Toyota, holds a commanding lead of nearly two minutes over Hyundai’s Ott Tanak as the competition approaches its final day. Kalle Rovanpera, Evans’ teammate, struggled on Saturday, and Josh McErlean of Ireland slipped to 13th overall after a challenging day.

McErlean and co-driver Eoin Treacy began Saturday in seventh place but faced difficulties early on. After needing to repair a broken steering arm, they fell to 15th position. Nevertheless, McErlean demonstrated tenacity by achieving the second-fastest time on stage 15, trailing only fellow M-Sport competitor Grégoire Munster.

Meanwhile, Evans started the day with a slim 7.7-second advantage over Rovanpera and performed exceptionally, winning the first two stages. He ultimately finished the day with a significant lead of one minute and 57.4 seconds over Tanak, positioning himself for what could be his first Safari victory, assuming he avoids any setbacks. “It’s definitely been a proper Safari so far,” stated Evans, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the challenge.

Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville ended the day in third place, yet he remained over four and a half minutes behind the leader due to issues with punctures and foggy conditions. Takamoto Katsuta of Toyota, accompanied by Irish co-driver Aaron Johnston, secured fourth place. Neuville remarked on the extreme conditions encountered, noting, “I haven’t seen anything like it in my career.”

Rovanpera’s aspirations for the lead were thwarted by tire issues and damage from challenging weather conditions, which caused him to drop to fifth overall. The final day of the rally will see five additional stages, with competitors poised for an intense conclusion to the event.

The Safari Rally Kenya has seen Elfyn Evans solidify his lead significantly ahead of Ott Tanak, while his teammate Kalle Rovanpera experiences a setback. Despite difficulties, Josh McErlean shows determination, moving up from 15th with impressive stage times. Notably, Thierry Neuville and Rovanpera confront extreme challenges that impact their standings. The competition remains fierce as the final day approaches, promising an exciting finish.

Original Source: www.rte.ie