Evans Extends Lead as Chaos Unfolds in Kenya Safari Rally

Elfyn Evans leads the Safari Rally Kenya with a two-minute advantage over Ott Tanak, aiming for his first victory. Thierry Neuville is in third, facing tough conditions. Kalle Rovanpera tumbles to fifth after tire issues. The final day features five stages ahead.

Toyota’s Elfyn Evans leads the Safari Rally Kenya with a significant advantage, almost two minutes ahead of Hyundai’s Ott Tanak. Evans commenced the day with a narrow 7.7 second lead over teammate Kalle Rovanpera but dominated the initial stages, ultimately gaining 1 minute and 57.4 seconds ahead of Tanak. If he maintains his position, Evans is poised for his first Safari victory.

Evans remarked, “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.” Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville secured third place, albeit over four and a half minutes behind the leader, battling through punctures and adverse conditions, with Toyota’s Takamoto Katsuta following in fourth.

Neuville commented on the harsh conditions, stating, “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. Those were some extreme conditions this afternoon — I haven’t seen anything like it in my career. We’ve had some rough Safari Rally Kenyas in the past, but this is the roughest so far.”

Kalle Rovanpera’s chances dwindled due to a tire issue, suffering a front-right delamination followed by a front-left puncture, compounded by the rainy weather damaging his rear suspension. Consequently, he fell to fifth place overall. Sunday promises five additional stages as the rally concludes.

In conclusion, Elfyn Evans extends his lead in the Safari Rally Kenya, entering the final day with a substantial margin over Ott Tanak. The unpredictable conditions have challenged all drivers, particularly Kalle Rovanpera, whose misfortunes have cost him the lead. With five stages remaining, Evans seems set for victory if he can navigate the risks of the rally.

Original Source: theprint.in