The first four rallies have brought him three podium finishes. At his worst, Evans was fourth in Kenya in March. Consistent performance keeps Evans in second place in the WRC, just six points behind Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville.
With the new points system introduced this year, consistent performance can be richly rewarded at the end of the season. Wins are not necessary if a driver can consistently finish in the top five and collect a large pot of points from Sundays in every event.
“Like always on gravel, road position could be a factor but it’s also a rally that can really depend on the weather,” Evans reflects.
“We just have to focus on doing the best job we can with the conditions we have and try to take the maximum from the weekend.”
The World Rally Championship moves to a sequence of five gravel rallies with the Rally de Portugal. Events come thick and fast, and there are plenty of tests too.
“We’re into a busy part of the season now with rallies coming thick and fast, and our focus moves back to gravel for the next events,” Evans says.
“Portugal can be quite a nice rally with some fast and flowing sections, but recently it’s also become more of a challenge in terms of how rough the roads can get, especially in some of the classic stages further south that we drive on Friday.”
The Rally de Portugal starts with a shakedown on Thursday morning. The actual rally will feature a total of 22 special stages.
