When Toyota’s Kalle Rovanperä announced a year ago that he would only compete in half of the 2024 season, many expected his teammate, Elfyn Evans, to step up and seriously contend for the championship.
Evans was in the championship fight for a long time, but a crash at Rally Finland effectively ended his title hopes. Now, Evans has critically examined his performances and drawn a clear conclusion.
Evans finished the past season as runner-up in the World Rally Championship for the fourth time in his career. His championship hopes began to fade as early as Rally Portugal, where he scored only six championship points. A crash in Rally Finland and a mistake at Rally Greece ultimately knocked Evans out of contention.
The common denominator in these disappointing rallies was that they were all gravel events.
“At moments [this year] we were clearly the fastest but there were also moments where we were the slowest Rally1 car actually which we need to get to the bottom of that fully. It doesn’t really make sense,” Evans told Autosport.
“There were definitely some challenges and not really the overall performance you obviously aim for, but nonetheless there were some strong moments,” Evans added.
Evans has now identified where he particularly needs to improve next year.
“I actually think there was quite a bit missing especially on the rougher gravel rallies and that was the biggest Achilles heel really, so that side of the job needs to improve quite a bit. That will be the main focus for next year. It has not been a great season from that side and I would say I have not had the feeling I had in previous years in terms of feeling happy behind the wheel,” Evans stated.
Despite becoming all too familiar with being the championship runner-up, Evans hasn’t lost hope.
“There are some things to figure out still but I think the end of the season has been quite positive after two difficult rallies in Finland and Greece especially. It should be all fine for next year,” Evans expressed optimism.
Evans faced more pressure last year than in previous seasons. Alongside Takamoto Katsuta, he was one of the two Toyota drivers to compete in every event of the season. Sébastien Ogier and Kalle Rovanperä only took part in selected WRC events.
Next season, the situation changes as Toyota fields a strong and bolstered lineup. Rovanperä returns as a full-time driver, and the team gains a new addition in Sami Pajari. Evans and Katsuta will also continue as full-time drivers. The strengthened lineup could potentially reduce the pressure on the Welshman.
“Obviously there is strength in numbers and I think it is a pretty strong line-up,” Evans commented.
“I mean at the end of the day the two things go hand in hand. I want the points and the team wants the points and ultimately the better job you do for yourself, the team benefit and we have always gone with that mentality since 2020. The focus is on doing the best job you can and I don’t need to worry about anything else,” Evans emphasised.
