Tänak campaigns for a more difficult Safari

After 19 years of absence, the Rally of Kenya made its comeback to the World Rally Championship calendar. Change of era requires, the event was no longer a race of endurance but of speed with 300 kilometers timed "only" instead of the 1000 which have made the Safari's great reputation.

No matter the distance covered, Kenya offered a unique adventure for competitors who came to brave the dirt roads, weather conditions and local wildlife. “ Friday and Sunday were the most trying days », admitted one Ott Tänak (Hyundai), visibly in search of stronger sensations.

« As for Saturday, the stages were more like those in Europe and were not particularly difficult, continues the Estonian before outbidding. Safari has to be Safari for it to be special. I could then take advantage of it ».

Once in the mix, Ott Tänak lost any chance of victory during the last special stage on Saturday (SS13). So still less than a minute from the leader Thierry Neuville, who would later retire, the 2019 world champion was forced to stop along the way to wipe his windshield due to a faulty wiper. This story cost him about two minutes. He finally finished 3rd in the rally behind the two drivers Toyota, Sébastien Ogier and Takamoto Katsuta.

It’s a P3 and 20 extra championship points. Asante Kenya! #WRC #SafariRallyKenya #rallying #goOtt #TanakFanArmy #HMSGofficial pic.twitter.com/kXhFRhVGNO

— Ott Tänak (@OttTanak) June 27, 2021