Evans had to skip Toyota’s winter tests in Central Finland in December due to a mountain biking accident in which he injured his ribs. Apart from missing the tests, Evans also missed the International Automobile Federation’s (FIA) award gala in Baku, Azerbaijan.
However, team manager Jari-Matti Latvala assures on the WRC’s official website that Evans will be able to prepare for the legendary Monte Carlo event as planned.
“We haven’t made any changes to the [test] schedule. The plan is the same, Elfyn will test with the rest of the drivers,” Latvala says, referring to next week’s test for Monte Carlo.
“He did miss some driving in Finland last month, but this was more of an opportunity for the drivers to get some early Sweden running in when we had good conditions in Finland.”
According to Latvala, missing the tests in Finland was not a major setback.
“I don’t think he missed so much, “Taka” (Takomoto Katsuta) was able to use his day, so we still got some time with the car. Now Elfyn can come back to the pre-event test and make sure he is ready for the start of the season.” Latvala emphasizes.
Last season, Evans finished second in the World Rally Championship for the third time in his career. The Welshman competed for the championship against teammate Kalle Rovanperä up until the penultimate event. However, a crash in Central European Rally ultimately dashed his championship dreams.
This upcoming season, Evans will be Toyota’s number one driver in the WRC, as Rovanperä will only participate in about half of the events.
The 2024 WRC season’s opening round will be held in the French Alps from January 25-28.
