The Welshman struggled all weekend in the unenviable role of road-sweeper and eventually finished sixth overall.
He did, however, manage to grab a single bonus point on Super Sunday by placing fifth in the Sunday-only classification.
It wasn’t the result Evans came to Portugal for, but the difficulties didn’t come as a shock. The team had anticipated problems—and they came true.
“It has definitely been a tough weekend. Obviously we knew we had a tough job on Friday, but even without that challenge, I think we didn’t really have the speed here. The feeling is very similar to how it was actually on these dry gravel rallies last year. So yeah, still some work to do,” Evans told RallyJournal.com.
This year’s Rally Portugal was one of the most demanding in recent memory. The days were extremely long, and the liaison sections added to the strain. Drivers didn’t get much sleep.
“The schedule was a bit crazy. The length of the days and the short nights was quite demanding. So Yeah, definitely one of the tougher rallies,” Evans confirmed.
Evans collected a modest nine points from Portugal—but it was enough to keep him at the top of the standings. Still, even that was hard for him to enjoy.
“I mean… it’s hard to still take the positives at the moment, I’ll be honest,” Evans admitted.
“Obviously we lack speed as well as obviously the challenge of the road position. And so the two things together really meant it was a tough weekend,” he added.
Evans can thank his teammate Takamoto Katsuta for one of those extra points. Katsuta had earlier revealed he deliberately backed off a little to let Evans move ahead in the Sunday classification.
“Taka was was quite kind. IIt was very tight between us obviousl.And we were in a bit of a fight and he decided not to to push for Sunday. So obviously I’m thankful to him for thinking about my position. But it doesn’t make you feel particularly proud to gain points in that way,” Evans admitted frankly.
So… does that mean you owe Taka a few beers?
“He’s owed a few beers now, but luckily he doesn’t need many to get drunk,”Evans laughed.
