Toyota's Evans Conquers Brutal Safari Rally with Strategic Masterclass

Naivasha, Kenya (March 23, 2025) - Elfyn Evans delivered a textbook performance at one of rallying's most demanding events, securing his first Safari Rally Kenya victory while etching Toyota's name deeper into WRC history books. The 36-year-old Welshman now holds the record for largest championship lead (88 pts) after three rounds in WRC's modern era.

Key Race Highlights:

• +1:09.9s margin over Hyundai's Ott Tänak despite conservative Sunday strategy
• Toyota's 5th consecutive Safari Rally win continues manufacturer dominance
• 29 stage wins across the 3-day event demonstrate Evans' consistency
• Attrition rate of 42% highlights the rally's brutal nature

The Winning Strategy Breakdown

1. Thursday's Strong Start: Evans won the opening Loldia stage (19.17km), immediately establishing psychological dominance
2. Saturday Surge: Clinched two critical stages (Sleeping Warrior, Soysambu) to build +1:54.3s lead
3. Damage Limitation: Sacrificed 47 seconds on Sunday to secure victory amid treacherous conditions

Championship Implications:

Notable Performances:

• Josh McErlean (Ford): Claimed 2 Super Sunday points despite Saturday setback
• Gus Greensmith: WRC2 winner promoted to 6th overall after Katsuta's late crash
• Hyundai's Reliability Issues: Tänak's driveshaft failure cost potential victory

Evans' Post-Race Comments:

"The Safari tests every aspect of team preparation - from avoiding wildlife to managing mechanical stress. This victory belongs to our entire Toyota Gazoo Racing crew who prepared a flawless GR Yaris."

Next Round: WRC moves to Rally Islas Canarias (April 24-27), where Evans will aim to extend his 36-point lead on mixed-surface terrain.