Kankkunen Leads Toyota to Historic Safari Rally Win in Kenya

Juha Kankkunen, stepping in for Jari-Matti Latvala, led Toyota to its fifth consecutive Safari Rally victory. This win marked Toyota’s 100th WRC start since 2017. Kankkunen, a former three-time Safari winner, expressed emotional pride in the achievement, noting the current Safari’s challenging nature.

Finnish rally legend Juha Kankkunen took on a pivotal role for Toyota, stepping in for Jari-Matti Latvala during the recent Safari Rally in Kenya. His presence helped the team secure their fifth consecutive win in the event, with Elfyn Evans and co-driver Scott Martin achieving victory. This occasion was particularly significant as it marked Toyota’s 100th start in the World Rally Championship (WRC) since their return to the series in 2017.

Reflecting on this achievement, Kankkunen, a three-time Safari winner from the 1980s and 1990s, expressed his deep emotional connection to the moment. He stated, “I’m really happy that we managed to win the 100th WRC rally for the team…40 years after my first victory here. It really brought tears to my eyes.”

Despite advancements in rally formats, Kankkunen noted that the modern-day Safari still presents a formidable challenge. He admitted feeling more nervous as a spectator than he did as a driver, emphasizing the complexity of the current course. “Among the modern-day, shorter Safari rallies, this was absolutely the toughest one I have seen,” he remarked.

He acknowledged some misfortunes during the event, particularly on the final day, but prioritized the overall achievement. Kankkunen praised Elfyn Evans and Scott Martin for their exceptional performance, stating that they have made a fantastic start to the season, which contributed significantly to their success in Kenya.

Kankkunen’s involvement in Toyota’s victory at the Safari Rally celebrates a significant milestone of 100 WRC starts since 2017. His emotional response highlights the deep connection to the event, even as challenges persist in the modern format. Toyota’s sustained success underlines the team’s continued excellence in the WRC, particularly through the efforts of drivers like Elfyn Evans and co-driver Scott Martin.

Original Source: www.wrc.com