Elfyn Evans leads the Safari Rally Kenya by nearly two minutes ahead of Ott Tanak, while Kalle Rovanpera struggled with vehicle issues. Thierry Neuville holds third place but remains over four and a half minutes behind. As competitors face challenging conditions, Evans appears poised for victory as the final day approaches.
Elfyn Evans, the championship leader from Toyota, holds a significant lead of nearly two minutes over Ott Tanak from Hyundai as he approaches the final day of the Safari Rally Kenya. Initially, Evans led his teammate Kalle Rovanpera by only 7.7 seconds, but after winning the opening two stages, he increased his margin to one minute and 57.4 seconds ahead of Tanak. If he avoids difficulties, Evans is on course for his first victory at the Safari Rally.
Evans remarked on the challenge of the rally, stating, “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.” Meanwhile, reigning champion Thierry Neuville from Hyundai resides in third place, though he trails by over four and a half minutes owing to punctures and difficult visibility conditions, with Takamoto Katsuta from Toyota in fourth place.
Neuville voiced his struggles, saying, “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.” He also commented on the extreme conditions, noting, “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.”
Rovanpera’s chances of contending for the lead deteriorated due to a delaminated front-right tire followed by a front-left puncture. The inclement afternoon weather exacerbated his issues, resulting in damaged rear suspension and a drop to fifth overall. The final day of the rally includes five additional stages for competitors to navigate.
In conclusion, Elfyn Evans has established a formidable lead in the Safari Rally Kenya, positioning himself for a potential victory as he enters the final day. Despite the challenges faced by competitors, including punctures and adverse weather conditions, Evans’s performance stands out. While Neuville and Tanak remain in contention, the competitive landscape may shift in this unpredictable rally environment.
Original Source: theprint.in
