Elfyn Evans Leads Toyota to Victory at 2025 Safari Rally Kenya

Elfyn Evans wins the 2025 Safari Rally Kenya, earning Toyota GAZOO Racing a fifth straight victory and extending his WRC championship lead. Full results and details.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team secured a historic fifth consecutive victory at the Safari Rally Kenya 2025, with Elfyn Evans claiming his maiden win at the iconic African event and extending his lead in the FIA World Rally Championship standings.

This year’s Safari Rally lived up to its reputation as one of the toughest events on the calendar. The grueling 383.1-kilometre route tested drivers with harsh rocky terrains, treacherous water crossings, and unpredictable weather ranging from scorching heat to heavy downpours. Adding to the challenge, wildlife such as zebras and elephants frequently appeared along the stages.

Evans and co-driver Scott Martin’s cautious and measured approach paid off. Although rivals showed more pace on Friday, they seized the lead by the end of the day and extended it to nearly two minutes by Saturday. On the final day, Evans focused on preserving the advantage, finishing comfortably 1 minute 9.9 seconds ahead of Ott Tänak in his Hyundai.

This victory also marked a significant milestone for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing — their 100th WRC appearance since 2017, during which the team has amassed 53 wins and 123 podiums. The win was made even more special with the presence of Juha Kankkunen, who was invited to serve as Deputy Team Principal for this rally and celebrated on the podium 40 years after his first Safari Rally victory with Toyota.

The demanding rally took its toll on many competitors. Kalle Rovanperä retired due to electrical issues on the road section to SS18 after initially holding fifth place. Takamoto Katsuta had been pushing for more points after moving into fifth overall and winning two stages on Sunday. He managed to complete the Power Stage despite a roll near the start, but the damage sustained meant he could not reach the final time control and was forced to retire from the event.

Meanwhile, young Finn Sami Pajari impressed with a mature performance, finishing fourth on his Safari debut and steering clear of major trouble throughout the event.

Out of 30 starters, only 21 crews reached the finish line, highlighting the extreme nature of this year’s event — arguably the toughest Safari Rally in recent years.

With this win, Evans extended his lead in the drivers’ championship to 36 points over Thierry Neuville. Toyota also maintained a solid advantage in the manufacturers' standings.

The WRC season now moves on to a brand-new challenge: the Rally Islas Canarias. Taking place on the island of Gran Canaria from April 24–27, the event features asphalt stages with abrasive volcanic surfaces, promising another stern test for both drivers and machines.

Source: toyotagazooracing.com