Both Evans and Neuville took part in the opening round of the European Rally Championship in Córdoba, Spain, where the Sierra Morena Rally was held.
The WRC stars competed in the national category and consistently set top times throughout the rally. However, before reaching the finish, the pair made a gentlemanly gesture and withdrew from the event.
The Sierra Morena Rally served as a test event for both drivers ahead of the WRC Rally Islas Canarias at the end of April. In Spain, Evans and Neuville were able to get a feel for Hankook’s new asphalt tyres, which are being used in the WRC this season.
“We’re here, obviously, to test for Rally Islas Canarias – and having some stages that are so fast is obviously not ideal. But there will be sections of these stages that we can use to good use,” Evans commented during the rally.
However, Evans felt that Sierra Morena did not fully prepare them for the Canary Islands.
“Not all the sections here are relevant because they’re either too fast, too bumpy or have too much cutting. That’s the big thing, I think,” Evans said.
“Canarias will be a much cleaner rally. Still, it gives us a chance to drive the [Hankook] tyres and to understand some things with the car balance, so we’ll use it as best we can,” Evans added.
Reigning world champion Thierry Neuville shared Evans’s view. He also pointed out that the roads in the Canary Islands will be quite different. However, tyre testing was still very valuable for the Belgian.
“I don’t think the stages are very similar,” Neuville said.
“But, anyhow, it’s good to get a bit more understanding of the tyres and the car, to try some things just to see I what direction to go,” Neuville continued.
The Rally Islas Canarias will be held on 24–27 April. It is included in the WRC calendar for the first time this year.
