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Hyundai struggles to match Toyota's performance at the Safari Rally amid mechanical issues and challenging terrain.
Hyundai's aspirations to dethrone Toyota's longstanding dominance in the Safari Rally Kenya seem increasingly unattainable due to persistent transmission issues plaguing its fleet.
The technical difficulties have forced Hyundai's technical director, François-Xavier Demaison, to admit that their i20 N Rally1 cars will need to be driven conservatively, at only 80% of their potential, for the rest of the competition.
This setback came to light following a significant gearbox failure experienced by Esapekka Lappi while he was in a promising second position on Friday afternoon.
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05:00 - 28.03.2024
MOTORSPORTS Where and how to watch 2024 WRC Safari Rally
2024 WRC Safari Rally in Kenya promises thrilling competition with notable drivers and challenging stages set against breathtaking landscapes.
Demaison did not mince words when discussing the implications of this incident on Hyundai's performance in the third round of the rally.
"The casing exploded," he revealed, highlighting the transmission as the car's Achilles' heel, a component that "has not been developed and validated properly."
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21:30 - 29.03.2024
Safari Rally: Kalle Rovanpera seizes lead with spectacular performance on second day
Two-time World Rally Championship Kalle Rovanpera lead a Toyota 1-2-3 to a dominant performance as the Safari Rally entered Day Two on Good Friday.
The recurrence of propshaft failures, which were a notable problem for Hyundai in last year's Safari Rally, has been compounded by homologation restrictions, complicating efforts to achieve a comprehensive fix.
According to Demaison, the reliability 'fuse' has simply shifted from the propshaft to the gearbox, presenting new challenges.
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19:16 - 29.03.2024
Kenyan driver faces Safari Rally ejection after breaching tyre rules
The local rally ace faces potential ejection from the ongoing WRC Safari Rally after violating WRC rules relating to the use of tyres at the global event.
The team's concerns extend to Thierry Neuville's car, with Neuville leading the world championship before encountering his own setback with a puncture.
Despite these mechanical woes, Neuville remains determined to maintain his performance, albeit with an air of caution.
"I’m also a bit scared about what happened to Esapekka Lappi," Neuville confessed, emphasizing his desire to avoid retirement due to technical failures.
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17:02 - 28.03.2024
Neuville nips Tanak in WRC Safari Rally Kenya opener amid Nairobi fervor
Hyundai and Toyota lead Safari Rally Kenya, with Hyundai narrowly ahead in opening stage at Kasarani.
Adding to Hyundai's list of woes, Ott Tanak's rally came to an early conclusion after a collision with a rock led to suspension damage.
As Hyundai grapples with these mechanical vulnerabilities, Toyota's stronghold on the Safari Rally appears more secure than ever.
The Japanese manufacturer's consistent performance and reliability in one of the World Rally Championship's most challenging events have set a high bar that Hyundai is struggling to meet, especially under the current constraints.
![Rally drivers explore Kenya ahead of the WRC Safari Rally [PHOTOS]](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/25032024/1e4d7de2-9665-4aab-ac57-0dc759466f03.jpg?operations=fit(:350))
06:04 - 25.03.2024
MOTORSPORTS Rally drivers explore Kenya ahead of the WRC Safari Rally [PHOTOS]
A look into how some top WRC rally drivers spent their weekend ahead of the Safari Rally scheduled to start on Thursday, March 31.
With the competition heating up and the landscape of the Safari Rally proving as unpredictable as ever, Hyundai's team faces a daunting task.
They must navigate the delicate balance between pushing their cars to the limits and conserving them enough to reach the finish line, all while attempting to close the gap with their rivals.
As the rally progresses, the motorsport world watches closely to see if Hyundai can overcome its technical hurdles or if Toyota will continue its reign atop the Safari Rally podium.
Follow us on X (Twitter) for more updates.
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