Neuville Leads Hyundai Charge in Safari Rally Kenya Opener
By Mwambazi Lawrence
Nairobi, Kenya – March 28, 2024
The much-anticipated Safari Rally Kenya roared to life with a spectacular start just outside the nation’s capital, Nairobi. Amidst the dust and adrenaline, the battle for supremacy unfolded on the challenging 4.48-kilometer Kasarani super special stage. With just three points separating them in the driver’s standings, Thierry Neuville and Elfyn Evans engaged in a gripping duel for the lead.
Belgium’s Thierry Neuville wasted no time in stamping his authority on the rally, delivering a scintillating performance that saw him snatch the overnight lead from his championship rival, Elfyn Evans. Neuville’s blistering pace, utilizing every inch of the treacherous terrain, earned him a 1.7-second advantage over Evans, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown in the days ahead.
Meanwhile, all eyes were on Kalle Rovenpera, whose favorable road position positioned him as a strong contender for his second Safari Rally title. The 2022 champion displayed his prowess early on, clinching the third-fastest time in the opening test and signaling his intent to conquer the 18 grueling stages that lie ahead. Rovenpera’s teammate, Takamoto Katsuta, also showcased his form with a stellar performance, staying within striking distance of the reigning champion.
Estonian ace Ott Tanak, hungry for redemption after a challenging start to the season, emerged as Neuville’s closest challenger, posting the second-fastest time behind the Belgian maestro. With a keen awareness of the formidable challenges awaiting them, Tanak and his team geared up for a relentless pursuit of victory.
Adding to the intrigue, Asappeka Lappi, fresh from his recent triumph in Sweden, joined the fray with aspirations of securing a historic third consecutive win for Hyundai. Lappi’s impressive start, clinching the fifth-fastest time, hinted at a formidable challenge from the Finnish driver throughout the weekend.
For Adrien Fourmaux, whose maiden podium in Sweden injected a surge of confidence into the M-Sport team, the Safari Rally presented an opportunity to further solidify his position among the WRC elite. Despite facing stiff competition, Fourmaux remained firmly in the mix, trailing the frontrunners by a mere two-tenths of a second.
Gregoire Munster, embarking on his Safari debut in a Rally1 car, aimed to turn the tide after a lackluster start to the season. With the support of his team, Munster sought to harness the rally’s unique challenges to reignite his championship campaign.
As the dust settled on the opening day, Neuville emerged as the frontrunner, leading the pack into the first full day of action. Tanak trailed closely behind, poised to capitalize on any opportunity to seize the lead. Rovenpera secured third position, followed by Katsuta and Lappi, setting the stage for a fiercely contested battle in the days ahead.
Tomorrow, the rallying fraternity will embark on the first full day of action, navigating through six challenging stages that promise to test their skill and endurance. From the technical twists of Loldia to the blistering straights of Kedong, competitors will tackle a total of 128.58 kilometers of competitive terrain, each kilometer fraught with the unforgiving obstacles that define the Safari Rally Kenya.
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