On the morning loop of the second day at the WRC Safari Rally, defending champion Kalle Rovanpera showcased his dominance, leaving competitors trailing in his wake.
Despite grappling with understeer issues, the 23-year-old Finnish driver surged ahead in the opening Loldia stage, establishing a commanding lead of 15.5 seconds over Hyundai’s Esapekka Lappi.
Rovanpera’s mastery was evident as he swept through all three initial stages—Loldia, Geothermal, and Kedong—underscoring his credentials as a force to be reckoned with in the Safari Rally, a title he clinched in 2022.
Hyundai’s presence in the top ranks remained formidable, with Lappi securing two second-place finishes in Loldia and Geothermal, while Ott Tanak claimed second in the Kedong stage, albeit trailing Rovanpera by 11.1 seconds.
However, the journey wasn’t without its challenges for championship leader Thierry Neuville, who suffered a rear-right puncture during the Geothermal stage, necessitating the use of masks and goggles for the subsequent Kedong stage. Despite the setback, Neuville remained composed, expressing relief that the protective gear mitigated the impact of the situation.
Rovanpera continued to assert his dominance in the Kedong stage, delivering a flawless performance and securing a comfortable 11.1-second lead over Tanak, with Lappi trailing closely behind by 1.4 seconds.
Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Takamoto Katsuta, known for his cautious driving, currently holds fourth position, trailing third-placed Tanak by 24.5 seconds.
As the day progresses, drivers will tackle the same stages in the afternoon, bracing themselves for the formidable challenges that the Safari Rally, renowned as one of the toughest in the world, presents.