Elfyn Evans heads into the World Rally Championship 2026 finale in Sardinia with a 17-point lead over Toyota teammates Sami Pajari and Oliver Solberg. But the Welshman refuses to feel safe. "It's still very open going to Sardinia," he says, embodying the humility that has defined his season.
Evans is known for his innate ability to block out the noise and focus on the job at hand. "Especially with opening the road, normally in Sardinia it's a significant disadvantage to run first," he explained. "So with that in mind, it could be difficult. We still have to go there as if it was any other round and ignore the championship situation." This mindset has carried him to the top of the standings, despite the challenges ahead.
Mental Pressure and History
Mentally, Evans is in the toughest spot. Unlike Pajari, who had only one podium before 2026, or Solberg, who is in his first full season in a top-class car, Evans started this season with no excuses left. Throughout the 2020s, he has finished runner-up five times, losing three times in the final round to Sebastien Ogier. This time, if he fails, he will lose to younger teammates. "Nothing is guaranteed," he said. "You can't really afford to think about the title. It was exactly the same margin as I had to Seb in 2020 going into Monza. So I have plenty of experience of what not to do!"
Evans admits that this season may have been less consistent than some of his others. Yet he still leads the championship, showing maturity and calmness rarely seen in drivers. "How it turns out is, I think, far less certain than what it appears on paper, perhaps," he added.
With a points advantage, Evans controls his own destiny. But he won't underestimate Pajari and Solberg, who have shown impressive speed all season. Sardinia, with its gravel roads and disadvantageous starting position, will be the ultimate test for Elfyn Evans and the Toyota team.
If Evans clinches the title, it will be his first after years of being the bridesmaid. But as usual, he won't think about it until the final finish line. His focus is solely on every corner, every stage time, and every rally. Because in rallying, anything can happen.
Baca Juga
Hyundai bereaksi atas keputusan mengejutkan Dani Sordo yang akan tampil bersama co-driver baru Patricia Saiz di Rally Sardinia, penutup WRC 2026.
Enni Malkonen memberi sinyal akan lanjut reli musim depan setelah pensiunnya Esapekka Lappi. Ia menutup musim dengan kemenangan di Porvoo dan gelar dunia kedua.
Esapekka Lappi pensiun setelah menang dramatis di Rally Finlandia. Simak cerita lengkap dan momen haru penutup kariernya di sini.
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