Elfyn Evans Wins Safari Rally Kenya 2025, Extends WRC Lead

Elfyn Evans, alongside co-driver Scott Martin, has clinched a remarkable victory at the 2025 WRC Safari Rally Kenya, marking his inaugural win at this challenging event and the first British victory since 2002.

This triumph not only extends his lead in the World Rally Championship by 36 points but also continues Toyota’s dominance with their fifth straight win at the Safari Rally.

The rally, set against the dramatic landscapes of Hell’s Gate in Naivasha, was not without its challenges; while the event itself was a spectacle of competitive intensity, it also reportedly caused significant traffic disruptions.

According to one source, attendees faced delays of up to 10 hours on the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway, though this claim would benefit from further confirmation.

The milestone marks the first British triumph at the iconic rally since Colin McRae’s victory in 2002.

The Welshman, piloting a Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 for Toyota Gazoo Racing, dominated the treacherous stages around Naivasha, finishing the rally at Hell’s Gate with a commanding lead of 1 minute and 9.9 seconds over Hyundai’s Ott Tänak.

Reigning world champion Thierry Neuville rounded out the podium in third, delivering Hyundai its maiden double podium in Kenya’s unforgiving terrain. Evans completed the rally in 4 hours, 21 minutes, and 13.7 seconds, cementing his status as a frontrunner in the 2025 championship.

The Safari Rally, renowned for its punishing mix of rocky tracks, deep fesh-fesh dust, and unpredictable weather, tested the limits of man and machine over four days from March 20-23.

Evans, who entered the event as the championship leader following wins in Sweden and a runner-up finish in Monte Carlo, showcased a blend of precision and resilience.

Despite minor setbacks—including a 360-degree spin and an intercom issue requiring a helmet swap on Friday—he maintained control throughout, capitalising on rivals’ misfortunes.

“It’s an incredible feeling to win here,” Evans said at the finish line. “The Safari is such a special rally, and to continue Toyota’s legacy while making a bit of history myself is something I’m really proud of. Huge thanks to the team and everyone in Kenya for the amazing support.”

The victory extends Evans’ lead in the drivers’ championship to 36 points, with a total of 88 points after three rounds. Tänak, who led early before a driveshaft failure on Friday, climbed to second overall with 49 points, while Neuville sits third with 52.

Toyota’s Kalle Rovanperä, a pre-event favourite, retired on Sunday morning due to an electrical failure, dropping him further behind in the title race.
This win also marks Toyota’s fifth consecutive Safari Rally victory in the modern era, reinforcing the team’s dominance on African soil.

However, the day was not without drama, as teammate Takamoto Katsuta rolled his car just one kilometre into the final stage, slipping from fourth to fifth place.

For Britain, Evans’ triumph revives memories of McRae’s 2002 success, the last time a British driver conquered the Safari’s brutal conditions.

Motorsport enthusiasts hailed the achievement as a historic moment, with fans and officials alike celebrating at the rally’s conclusion in Hell’s Gate National Park.

As the WRC caravan prepares to depart Kenya, attention now shifts to the next round, Rally Islas Canarias, scheduled for April 24-27.

For Evans and Martin, the focus remains on sustaining their championship momentum after a landmark victory that has etched their names into Safari Rally lore.