Elfyn Evans Claims Victory at Safari Rally Kenya, Expands Championship Lead
Elfyn Evans won the Safari Rally Kenya, extending his championship lead to 36 points. He completed the rally in just over four hours and 20 minutes, leading ahead of Ott Tanak and Thierry Neuville. This victory marks Evans’s second win this season and strengthens Toyota’s position in the manufacturers’ championship.
In a remarkable performance at the Safari Rally Kenya, Elfyn Evans of Toyota secured his victory, extending his lead in the World Rally Championship to an unprecedented 36 points after three rounds. Evans and his co-driver Scott Martin completed the rally in approximately four hours and 20 minutes, finishing ahead of Hyundai’s Ott Tanak, who placed second, and Thierry Neuville in third.
Evans expressed his gratitude during a post-race interview, stating, “Sorry, I can’t hear anything… but I want to say thank you to everyone in Kenya for a very warm welcome, an amazing rally.” He acknowledged the efforts of his team, emphasizing, “I have to say a huge well done to the team. They did an amazing job and I’m proud to be a very small part of the history of Toyota and this special rally.”
This victory marks Evans’s second win of the season, following his triumph in Sweden. With 88 points, he leads Neuville at 52 points and Tanak at 49 points. Additionally, Toyota leads the manufacturers’ championship with 158 points compared to Hyundai’s 122.
Tanak highlighted the challenges faced during the rally, stating, “It was an extremely demanding safari this weekend. We had everything from thunderstorms to very rocky, slow and super hot sections.” Despite mechanical issues on Friday, he acknowledged the team’s resilience and their effort to gather positive points.
Neuville noted that having two Hyundais on the podium was a positive outcome, yet he expressed dissatisfaction, citing, “Reliability was an issue again this weekend, unfortunately.” Despite experiencing a puncture and a driveshaft failure, he praised both teams for their determination during the rally.
Elfyn Evans’s victory at the Safari Rally Kenya solidifies his lead in the World Rally Championship, marking a notable achievement for both him and the Toyota team. With strong performances this season and overcoming challenges, the championship outlook remains competitive, especially for Hyundai, which seeks improved reliability in future rallies. Evans’s success underscores the significance of teamwork in achieving podium finishes.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
