Evans Holds Control After SS4, Thierry Neuville Frustrated

WRC, Sportrik Media – Elfyn Evans retained control of Rally Sweden 2026 after four stages, with Toyota Gazoo Racing locking out the top three positions as pressure mounted on Hyundai.

On SS4 Back 1, Oliver Solberg responded to earlier setbacks by setting the fastest time, beating Evans by 1.2 seconds. Takamoto Katsuta was third quickest on the stage, underlining Toyota’s pace across the morning loop.

In the overall classification, Evans leads by 14.5 seconds over Katsuta. Sami Pajari completes the Toyota 1-2-3, sitting 23.3 seconds off the lead. The Japanese manufacturer’s consistent stage performance has placed its rivals under immediate pressure on Sweden’s snow and ice.

Esapekka Lappi is the leading Hyundai Motorsport driver in fourth place, 34.9 seconds adrift. He is followed closely by Solberg and Adrien Fourmaux. Meanwhile, 2024 world champion Thierry Neuville expressed clear frustration after struggling with car balance on the Back stage.

“This is the toughest time of my career,” Neuville said, as he sits seventh overall, over one and a half minutes behind the rally leader.

With four further stages scheduled for Friday afternoon following the mid-day service, evolving road conditions and tyre management are expected to remain decisive factors as the rally progresses toward the weekend climax.

Rally Sweden Stage Schedule (Local Time):

Thursday, 12 February
11:01 - Shakedown Umea City (3.07 km)
20:05 - SS1 Umea 1 (10.23 km)

Friday, 13 February
11:07 - SS2 Bygdsiljum 1 (27.55 km)
12:08 - SS3 Andersvattnet 1 (20.51 km)
13:16 - SS4 Back 1 (11.53 km)
14:48 - Service (30 minutes)
16:40 - SS5 Bygdsiljum 2 (27.55 km)
17:41 - SS6 Andersvattnet 2 (20.51 km)
18:49 - SS7 Back 2 (11.53 km)
20:05 - SS8 Umea Sprint 1 (5.70 km)

Saturday, 14 February
11:10 - SS9 Vannas 1 (15.70 km)
12:05 - SS10 Sarsjoliden 1 (16.72 km)
12:59 - SS11 Kolksele 1 (16.94 km)
14:50 - Service (30 minutes)
16:10 - SS12 Vannas 2 (15.70 km)
17:05 - SS13 Sarsjoliden 2 (16.72 km)
17:59 - SS14 Kolksele 2 (16.94 km)
19:05 - SS15 Umea Sprint 2 (5.70 km)

Sunday, 15 February
08:33 - SS16 Vastervik 1 (25.45 km)
09:48 - Service (15 minutes)
11:11 - SS17 Vastervik 2 (25.45 km)
13:15 - SS18 Umea 2 (10.23 km) - Power Stage