Elfyn Evans has made history by securing his first-ever Safari Rally Kenya 2025 win, marking his second consecutive victory in the 2025 WRC season.
The triumph not only marked his second consecutive win of the season but also extended his lead in the 2025 WRC standings to an unprecedented 36 points after just three rounds.
Held from March 20 to March 23, Safari Rally Kenya 2025 once again showcased its reputation as one of the most grueling and iconic events in motorsport, combining Kenya’s breathtaking landscapes with unforgiving terrains.
The rally kicked off with a ceremonial start in Nairobi, flagged off by Kenyan President William Ruto, before moving to Naivasha in Nakuru County, where drivers tackled 21 special stages spanning a competitive distance of 384.86 kilometers.
The event’s unique combination of rocky tracks, unpredictable weather, and wildlife made it a true test of endurance and skill for all participants.
Elfyn Evans driving a Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 alongside co-driver Scott Martin delivered an exceptional performance throughout the four-day event.
Despite minor setbacks such as a 360-degree spin and an intercom issue that required a helmet swap on Friday, Evans maintained his composure and navigated the challenging stages with precision.
By Sunday morning, the Welshman had built a commanding lead of nearly two minutes. Opting for a cautious approach during the final stages, Evans ceded some time but still crossed the finish line for Safari Rally Kenya 2025 win with a comfortable margin of 1m9.9s over his closest rival.
Estonian Ott Tänak, driving for Hyundai, secured second place after an eventful rally. Tänak initially led the race but suffered a driveshaft failure on Friday which cost him valuable time, however, he demonstrated resilience and consistency to claim the runner-up spot.
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His teammate Thierry Neuville, last year’s Safari Rally champion, rounded out the podium in third place. Neuville faced his own challenges but managed to deliver Hyundai’s first-ever double podium finish in Africa.
The fourth position went to Finnish driver Sami Pajari in another Toyota while Japanese driver Takamoto Katsuta completed the top five despite crashing on the final stage.
Katsuta’s performance highlighted Toyota’s strong showing at this year’s event even though reigning world champion Kalle Rovanperä was forced to retire on Sunday due to an electrical issue.
Further down the leaderboard, Luxembourg’s Grégoire Munster and Ireland’s Josh McErlean showcased their determination in Ford cars.
Munster finished sixth after navigating Kenya’s rugged terrain with skill, while McErlean overcame significant mechanical issues on Saturday to secure seventh place. His perseverance earned him his best result in a Rally1 car so far.
The Safari Rally also proved to be a pivotal event in the manufacturers’ championship battle. Toyota extended its lead to 36 points despite being outscored by Hyundai by 12 points during this round.
The competition between the two teams is shaping up to be one of the key storylines of the 2025 WRC season.
The rally’s unique stages provided plenty of drama and excitement for fans. From the scenic Zabibu stage with its sharp corners and fast straights to the rugged Camp Moran stage that tested drivers’ technical skills, each section offered its own set of challenges.
The iconic Sleeping Warrior stage and the picturesque finish at Hell’s Gate National Park added to the rally’s allure, drawing an estimated 250,000 spectators—a significant increase from last year.
Elfyn Evans’ Safari Rally Kenya 2025 win further solidifies his position as a strong contender for this year’s WRC title. With two wins and a second-place finish under his belt already this season, he now sits atop the drivers’ standings with 88 points.
Neuville moves into second place with 52 points, followed closely by Tänak with 49 points.
As the dust settles on the Safari Rally Kenya 2025, attention now turns to the next round of the championship—the Rally Islas Canarias—scheduled for April 24-27.
With momentum firmly on his side, Evans will undoubtedly be aiming to continue his winning streak as he seeks his first WRC title.
