The 2025 WRC Safari Rally Kenya roared into action on Thursday, with World Rally Championship leader Elfyn Evans grabbing an early advantage at the Super Special Stage in Kasarani.
The Toyota Gazoo Racing driver posted the fastest time, edging out Thierry Neuville (Hyundai) and Kalle Rovanperä (Toyota) by just 1.5 seconds.
Hyundai’s Ott Tänak finished fourth, while Adrien Fourmaux and Grégoire Munster shared the fifth-fastest time. Josh McErlean placed seventh, with Takamoto Katsuta rounding out the top eight.
Drivers Stage Silent Protest Over FIA Media Penalties
The competition, however, was overshadowed by a silent protest from WRC drivers in response to the FIA’s recent media conduct penalties.
During post-stage interviews, drivers either remained silent or spoke only in their native languages.
- Stage winner Elfyn Evans spoke in Welsh.
- Thierry Neuville responded in French.
- Kalle Rovanperä, speaking briefly in English, said:
“No comments this weekend. Thanks to all the fans following us, but we will speak later.”
When pressed further, Rovanperä confirmed in Finnish that he would not be giving comments throughout the weekend.
The protest follows the FIA’s controversial decision to fine Hyundai’s Adrien Fourmaux €10,000 (Ksh. 1.5 million) for swearing during Rally Sweden.
Ott Tänak, who finished fourth, jokingly told an interviewer to “take a holiday,” while Fourmaux lightened the mood by using the Swahili phrase “Hakuna matata” (no worries).
Early Trouble for Sami Pajari
Meanwhile, Sami Pajari, who finished ninth, suffered a setback when a stone from another car cracked his windscreen at the first corner.
“It hit right in the middle, directly in front of me. But there’s nothing we can do about it,” Pajari said.
The Rally Continues in Naivasha
The Safari Rally action continues with one more special stage on Thursday, before the grueling main stages unfold in Naivasha, culminating on Sunday.
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