Evans Leads Safari Rally Kenya as McErlean Struggles on Chaotic Day

Elfyn Evans leads the Safari Rally Kenya with a two-minute gap over Ott Tanak. McErlean faced challenges, falling to 13th, while Rovanpera’s chances faded. Thierry Neuville is third, more than four minutes behind. Five stages remain in the final day of the rally, with potential for changes in standings.

In the Safari Rally Kenya, championship leader Elfyn Evans of Toyota leads with nearly a two-minute advantage over Hyundai’s Ott Tanak, following a chaotic Saturday. With teammate Kalle Rovanpera’s challenge diminishing, Ireland’s Josh McErlean slipped to 13th place after a series of setbacks.

Initially in seventh place, McErlean faced issues when a broken steering arm during the opening stage dropped him to 15th. Demonstrating determination, he recorded the second-fastest time on stage 15 behind teammate Grégoire Munster.

Evans, beginning the day just 7.7 seconds ahead of Rovanpera, excelled by winning the first two stages, extending his lead to one minute and 57.4 seconds over Tanak. A crucial victory appears attainable for Evans if he avoids trouble. “It’s definitely been a proper Safari so far,” he commented, underscoring the inherent risks.

Meanwhile, reigning Hyundai champion Thierry Neuville held third but trailed by over four and a half minutes due to multiple punctures and difficult conditions, with Toyota’s Takamoto Katsuta, co-driven by Irishman Aaron Johnston, in fourth. Neuville remarked on the extreme conditions faced, stating, “I haven’t seen anything like it in my career.”

Rovanpera’s aspirations were dashed after he experienced a front-right tire delamination and a subsequent front-left puncture. Adverse rainy conditions added to his difficulties, resulting in rear suspension damage and pushing him down to fifth overall. Five stages remain on the final day of racing.

As the Safari Rally Kenya approaches its conclusion, Elfyn Evans maintains a strong lead, while his competitors faced multiple challenges throughout the day. Notable setbacks affected both Rovanpera and McErlean, emphasizing the unpredictability of rallying. With five stages remaining, Evans appears poised for victory, although the risks inherent in the rally could impact the final results significantly.

Original Source: www.rte.ie