(Reuters) – In the Safari Rally Kenya, Toyota’s double world champion Kalle Rovanpera surged ahead on Saturday, establishing a dominant lead while his competitors faced setbacks. The Finn, participating in selected events this season before a full return in 2025, maintained a cautious approach to secure a lead of two minutes and 8.2 seconds heading into the final day.
Rovanpera’s teammates Elfyn Evans and Takamoto Katsuta encountered punctures during the rally, with Katsuta finishing the day in second place and M-Sport Ford’s Adrien Fourmaux in third. However, Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville, the current championship leader, faced a fuel system issue in the afternoon, dropping to fifth and over 11 minutes behind the frontrunner.
Evans also experienced difficulties, finishing fourth with a gap of more than five and a half minutes behind Rovanpera. The Welsh driver had to contend with four punctures amidst varying conditions from dry and dusty to muddy terrain.
Rovanpera is set to secure 18 points under the revised scoring system, as long as he completes the race on Sunday. Reflecting on his performance, the Finn noted, “The lead is now quite good so of course we took it carefully. Tomorrow is still a tough day and we will try to finish the job.”
The final leg on Sunday will include two rounds of three stages on either side of Lake Naivasha. With Rovanpera holding a substantial lead, the competition is expected to intensify as the rally reaches its conclusion.
By maintaining a steady performance and avoiding major errors, Rovanpera has positioned himself as the favorite to clinch victory at the Safari Rally Kenya. His previous success in the event in 2022, which contributed to his first championship title, underscores his capabilities as a top contender in the championship.
As the focus shifts to the final day of the rally, Rovanpera remains determined to hold onto his lead and secure a strong finish. With potential challenges ahead, including navigating through challenging stages and maintaining consistency, the Finnish driver is prepared to face the demanding conditions to achieve success.
Despite the setbacks faced by his competitors, Rovanpera’s calculated approach and skillful driving have set him apart at the Safari Rally Kenya. With the support of his team and the experience gained from previous competitions, he is poised to cement his status as a formidable force in the world of rallying.
(Reporting by Alan Baldwin in London, editing by Ed Osmond)
