Evans started Saturday’s stages from the top spot, and during the first loop of three stages, the Welshman managed to extend his lead.
Evans arrived at midday service with an 11.3-second lead over his teammate Kalle Rovanperä.
“Overall, it’s been a good morning loop. I was a bit careful on the middle one, probably thinking too much about the tyres. But other than that, it’s been quite an okay morning,” Evans remarked.
Rovanperä closed the gap on Evans during the second stage of the morning, but on the final stage of the loop, the Welshman asserted his dominance over the rest of the field. Evans posted a clear fastest time, bringing him a step closer to securing the biggest haul of conditional points. The first points of the weekend will be awarded based on Saturday evening’s results.
During the rally’s longest stage, rain started falling, and fog made the driving conditions more difficult, but Evans handled the situation masterfully. Perhaps his familiarity with similar weather conditions in Wales helped him navigate the challenges.
“The conditions were quite difficult, I would say. The fog really came in on the last one, so we had quite damp conditions. Visibility was also very difficult. So, it definitely wasn’t easy,” Evans stated coolly.
“With the heavy fog and the moisture that came in, I think it was much less hard on the tyres than anticipated. That probably made any tyre saving a bit unnecessary. But nonetheless, I’m happy to get through it,” Evans summarised.
Three more stages remain on Saturday at Rally Chile, and the event concludes on Sunday.
