This archive report was first published on 26 June 2021.
Naivasha, Kenya - The World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally has reached its midpoint, and the battle for supremacy is heating up between Toyota and Hyundai.
Toyota Gazoo Racing team made a strong start to the rally, with world champion Sebastien Ogier winning the opening Super Special Stage in Kasarani on Thursday. His teammates, Kalle Rovanpera and Elfyn Evans, completed the podium sweep in that order.
However, Hyundai team, led by 2019 champion Ott Tanak, bounced back strongly in the following stages, winning rounds one of stage 2, 3, and 4 located at Chui Lodge, Kedong, and Oserian in that order yesterday morning.
Thierry Neuville was the Hyundai marksman in the 12.75km Chui Lodge contest, clocking 13:14.2 in the competition that also traversed the Oserengoni Wildlife Conservancy.
Neuville carried on with Hyundai dominance in the 32.68km Kedong circuit (stage 3), timing 30:06.5 to widen his lead in Kedong. He was still the man to beat in stage 4 at Oserian, where he was first at the finish line in 42:48.9.
However, both Hyundai and Toyota suffered blows when Evans (Toyota) and Dani Sordo (Hyundai) crashed out of the championship on Friday. Evans' Safari Rally Kenya hopes took a nosedive just 300 metres from the end of Friday morning's Kedong (SS3) stage.
Admitting that the competition is now between Japan and Korean car manufacturers, Tanak said, 'I'm happy we battled tooth and nail to snatch the mid-morning runs in the stages. But I have to say the Safari is proving very tough. I think the team with great endurance will carry the day.'
Neuville attributed his level of concentration to the wins, saying, 'The secret is to protect the car and bring it home in one piece. There's a lot of animals along the way but I'm glad I haven't been blocked by any barrier. I hope to replicate same energy in round two in the afternoon.'
