Elfyn Evans extends his lead to nearly two minutes at Safari Rally Kenya, positioning himself for a potential victory. Teammate Kalle Rovanpera faces setbacks, and Thierry Neuville struggles in extreme conditions. The final day consists of five stages, with risks factors looming.
Toyota’s Elfyn Evans leads the Safari Rally Kenya as the competition enters its final day, holding a significant advantage of nearly two minutes over Hyundai’s Ott Tanak. Starting the day marginally ahead of teammate Kalle Rovanpera, Evans won the first two stages and ultimately finished with a comfortable lead. He is now positioned favorably for his first victory in this challenging rally.
Evans remarked on the unpredictability of the rally, expressing, “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.” His teammate Rovanpera, after showing initial promise, fell behind due to tire issues and other complications, finishing the day in fifth place.
In third position, Hyundai’s reigning champion Thierry Neuville struggled with obstacles such as punctures and visibility issues due to misted windscreens. He reflected on the day’s difficulties, 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.” Neuville also noted that the conditions were unprecedented in his experience of the rally.
As the final day approaches, it is imperative for Evans to maintain his focus amidst potential risks. The competition will feature five additional stages, providing opportunities for the standings to shift significantly in the closing moments of the rally. Rovanpera’s aspirations for victory have waned, illustrating the unpredictable nature of the Safari Rally.
Elfyn Evans stands on the verge of victory in a challenging Safari Rally Kenya, benefiting from a substantial lead over Ott Tanak. Despite overcoming several adversities, his teammates, notably Kalle Rovanpera and Thierry Neuville, faced struggles that hindered their chances. The upcoming final day promises to be decisive as drivers navigate through additional stages while weighing the risks inherent in the rally’s unpredictable terrain.
Original Source: theprint.in
