Neuville Questions Penalty Following Jump Start at Safari Rally Kenya

Thierry Neuville faces a 10-second penalty for a jump start at the Safari Rally Kenya, which he attributes to a timing glitch. He has accumulated 1m10s in penalties due to his vehicle’s issues and demonstrated resilience by moving up in standings despite a puncture. Ott Tänak leads the event, having won several stages and significantly increased his advantage over rivals.

Thierry Neuville, the Hyundai World Rally Championship driver, has publicly questioned a 10-second penalty imposed on him for a jump start, alleging it resulted from a malfunction in the timing system during the Safari Rally in Kenya. This incident follows a challenging series of events that have already cost him a total of one minute and ten seconds in penalties during the rally’s initial stages.

Neuville’s difficulties commenced when a malfunction in his i20 N vehicle led to a precautionary change of a driveshaft and gearbox, causing him to be late to stage three, ultimately resulting in a one-minute penalty. Despite these setbacks, he showcased resilience, advancing from 18th to fourth position by stage six, where he incurred the additional penalty for a jump start, coupled with suffering a puncture.

Neuville expressed disappointment regarding his penalties, stating, “1m20s lost to kick off the rally is a lot. But it is better to afford that here than anywhere else.” He emphasized the necessity of analyzing the situation, asserting that timing system errors contributed to his early departure into the stage and that he deserved the return of the 10-second penalty.

In contrast, Ott Tänak, driving for the Hyundai Team, demonstrated a commanding performance, winning three of the four morning stages, thereby extending his lead to 24.4 seconds over closest competitor Elfyn Evans. Kalle Rovanpera, a two-time winner of the Safari Rally, enhanced his position into third place while other competitors faced significant challenges, including punctures and mechanical issues that altered their standings within the competition.

Overall, the Safari Rally has presented tough conditions for many, with Neuville aiming to rectify his penalties while other competitors establish their strategies amidst the demanding course.

In conclusion, Thierry Neuville’s experience at the Safari Rally Kenya reflects the unpredictable nature of rally racing, exemplified by his current challenge to overturn a 10-second penalty linked to timing system errors. In contrast, Ott Tänak’s exceptional performance underscores the competitive spirit of the event, leading the pack despite the obstacles faced by other participants. As the rally progresses, the evolving dynamics of the competition will undoubtedly continue to capture the attention of motorsport enthusiasts.

Original Source: www.motorsport.com