But holding the top spot in the standings gives Evans an unenviable task – he will act as the so-called road sweeper on the opening day of the rally. In Portugal, starting first typically results in time loss due to loose gravel, especially if the weather is dry.
Evans is well aware of the tough challenge ahead.
“We really don’t know how things will shape out. There’s a lot of cars entered, 12 Rally1 cars, which is great to see – a more full entry again at a WRC event. But we have to wait and see what’s possible,” Evans said.
Toyota’s Welsh driver holds a solid 43-point lead over his teammate Kalle Rovanperä after the first four rounds of the season. Behind Rovanperä are Thierry Neuville, Sébastien Ogier and Ott Tänak – all of whom will benefit from a more favourable starting position compared to Evans.
“Of course, we want to do as well as we can and the focus will be to beat those around us, really. That’s always your gauge,” Evans noted, referring especially to Rovanperä and Hyundai drivers Neuville and Tänak.
“They are in a slightly more favourable position, but we want to try and at least be relative to their performance,” he added.
Evans won Rally Portugal in 2021. Toyota has a strong track record on the gravel roads of northern Portugal – Rovanperä won in both 2022 and 2023, and Ogier claimed victory last year.
“Portugal has some great stages. And even if the sweeping is normally a factor, in terms of the stages themselves and to drive them, it’s always a lot of fun. So I think we just focus on that and enjoy the rally regardless,” Evans said.
Rally Portugal will be held around the city of Porto from 15–18 May.
Watch the video below of Evans’ test ahead of Rally Portugal:
