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Elfyn Evans Reflects on 2024 WRC Campaign: ‘Not Over the Moon,’ But Hopeful for Redemption in 2025

Publisher by Publisher
December 16, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
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Elfyn Evans Reflects on 2024 WRC Campaign: ‘Not Over the Moon,’ But Hopeful for Redemption in 2025

Elfyn Evans (GB) Scott Martin (GB) Of team TOYOTA GAZOO RACING WRT are seen performing during the World Rally Championship Japan in Toyota city, Japan on 22,November. 2023 // Jaanus Ree / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202411220731 // Usage for editorial use only //

Elfyn Evans’ 2024 World Rally Championship (WRC) season was a mix of highs and frustrations. The Toyota Gazoo Racing driver ended the year second in the standings—his fourth runner-up finish in five seasons—32 points adrift of newly crowned champion Thierry Neuville. While Evans capped the season with a commanding win in Japan and contributed to Toyota’s manufacturers’ title triumph, he admitted his campaign fell short of expectations.


Falling Short Despite Opportunities

Many viewed 2024 as Evans’ best shot at a championship title, especially with reigning champion and Toyota teammate Kalle Rovanperä stepping back to a part-time schedule. However, Evans was quick to downplay the notion of a “missed opportunity,” emphasizing that winning a title requires defeating whoever is in contention.

“You have to beat whoever’s there,” Evans said. “That’s always been the case in the history of the championship. Kalle being there or not doesn’t change the expectation.”

Despite finishing second in the standings, Evans struggled to make the most of his opportunities. While he matched Sébastien Ogier for most podium finishes (seven), he didn’t secure a win until the season finale in Japan, by which time his title hopes were already dashed. His Super Sunday points tally also lagged behind those of Neuville and Ott Tänak, a gap that proved costly in the long run.


Why 2024 Didn’t Meet Expectations

Evans pointed to a mix of underperformance and misfortune for his lackluster campaign, though he stopped short of attributing his struggles solely to bad luck.

“If you don’t win the championship, it’s pretty clear why you’re not happy,” he said. “It’s clear performances weren’t up to expectation, and we had clear struggles throughout the year. Some bits were unlucky, but everybody has their fair share of unlucky moments.”

While Evans showed flashes of brilliance throughout the season, inconsistency and challenges with the Rally1 hybrid regulations appeared to hinder his ability to deliver a championship-winning campaign. The hybrid era, introduced in 2022, has seen Evans struggle to fully adapt to the Yaris Rally1’s characteristics.


Looking Ahead: Hope for a Non-Hybrid Future

Next season, the removal of hybrid technology from WRC could work in Evans’ favor. With 80 kilograms of hybrid weight removed from behind the driver’s seat, cars are expected to feel more agile—an area where Evans has traditionally excelled. Though he has yet to test the GR Yaris Rally1 in its non-hybrid configuration, he’s cautiously optimistic about the change.

“I hope it’ll be a little bit more agile,” Evans said. “If it can go back to something that’s quite reactive and nimble, that would be quite nice. But let’s wait and see how it feels.”

The upcoming changes offer Evans a potential edge to find greater harmony with his car, something he’s lacked since the introduction of hybrid regulations.


A Mixed Bag for Toyota Gazoo Racing

While Evans didn’t meet his personal goals, Toyota’s season was far from a failure. The team edged Hyundai in a thrilling manufacturers’ championship battle, and Sébastien Ogier’s part-time schedule added valuable points. Evans took pride in contributing to Toyota’s success, calling it a significant morale boost for the team.

“The manufacturers’ championship was really important for the team,” he noted. “To be a part of that is obviously nice and does a lot of good within the team.”


2025: Redemption on the Horizon?

As Evans gears up for 2025, his intent remains unchanged: to secure his maiden WRC title. While Rovanperä is expected to return full-time, Evans isn’t dwelling on external factors. Instead, he’s focused on improving his own performances and embracing the opportunities that come with a non-hybrid era.

“Next year, we hope to be better, regardless,” he said confidently.

For Evans, the 2024 season might not have been the breakthrough he hoped for, but it was a valuable learning experience. With the slate wiped clean and the promise of a more familiar car setup, 2025 could finally be the year he breaks his string of second-place finishes and claims the title he’s been chasing.

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