Elfyn Evans, driving a Toyota GR Yaris Rally1, won the demanding Safari Rally Kenya, strengthening his FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) title bid. He and co-driver Scott Martin beat Hyundai’s Ott Tänak by 1 minute 9.9 seconds, establishing a record championship lead after three rounds.
Evans, following successes in Sweden and Monte-Carlo, navigated the challenging Kenyan route, drawing large crowds. He took the lead after Tänak’s mechanical issue. Despite his own problems, Evans held off Tänak, joining British rally legends.
Tänak and Hyundai teammate Thierry Neuville finished on the podium. Neuville overcame penalties and repairs. Toyota’s Kalle Rovanperä retired after suspension and electrical failures. Toyota’s Sami Pajari finished fourth after Takamoto Katsuta’s roll. Grégoire Munster placed fifth.
Gus Greensmith won WRC2; Jourdan Serderidis and Fabrizio Zaldivar also placed well. Josh McErlean finished tenth.
Evans’ victory marked Toyota’s fifth consecutive Safari win. He thanked the team and Kenyan fans. His championship lead is significant. The next rally is in the Canary Islands, April 24-27.
