Kenya – SS9: A huge disaster for Tänak

This is what you call a huge blow. A solid leader with a lead of more than 45 seconds after securing a 4th overall victory in 6 starts at the end of the previous special, Ott Tänak simply lost everything. While oil appeared to be leaking from his car after SS8, the Estonian was spotted stationary working on the right-front suspension during the liaison to SS9.

The problems were confirmed when the 2019 world champion started the stage at a very slow pace. The stages quickly showed that it was only a matter of time before he lost the lead in the Safari Rally Kenya 2025. The axe fell when he crossed the finish line 1:08 ahead of Kalle Rovanperä, who had set his first stage win of the weekend.

A godsend for Elfyn Evans, who didn't ask for much to take the reins of the race. The Welshman is now in the lead with an 11" lead over Kalle Rovanperä, the new runner-up. Ott Tänak has dropped back to 3rd, 3" behind and has a 16'8"1 margin over Thierry Neuville behind him. The final special could be very close between the two men.

SS9 standings

General classification after SS9

The start of SS10 is scheduled for 15:14 a.m.

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