Kalle Rovanperä topped the Safari Rally Kenya shakedown, recording a time of 4:34.5. This performance suggests a rebound after a tough start to the WRC season. Thierry Neuville and Ott Tänak secured second and third positions respectively, while the drivers agreed to limit communications in protest of a fine handed to Adrien Fourmaux.
Kalle Rovanperä demonstrated his speed in the Safari Rally Kenya shakedown, marking a potential return to form after a difficult start to the season. He recorded a time of 4:34.5 with his Toyota GR Yaris Rally1, surpassing Thierry Neuville’s Hyundai i20 N Rally1 by 1.6 seconds, who finished second with a time of 4:36.1. Ott Tänak also performed admirably, securing third place, finishing 1.9 seconds behind Rovanperä.
In fourth place was Takamoto Katsuta, trailing Rovanperä by 3.5 seconds, while Adrien Fourmaux rounded out the top five. The shakedown highlighted Rovanperä’s expertise on the challenging African terrain, where he has previously earned two Safari victories. The top ten results also included Grégoire Munster in sixth and championship leader Elfyn Evans in seventh.
Thierry Neuville expressed concerns about limited communication during the race due to a protest over a €10,000 fine imposed on Fourmaux for unsportsmanlike conduct in a prior rally. “There will be very little communication from us this weekend,” Neuville stated, indicating a unanimous decision among drivers to limit discussions at the stage ends, except for the longest stage’s conclusion.
Kalle Rovanperä’s impressive shakedown performance in the Safari Rally Kenya showcases his capability to navigate the rough terrains effectively, leading the timesheets as drivers prepare for the competition. Amidst a protest regarding communication, the drivers are determined to express solidarity regarding fines and rules within the racing community, setting a serious tone for the event ahead.
Original Source: www.wrc.com
