Elfyn Evans Faces Harsh Reality After Narrowly Missing Out on 2025 WRC Glory
In the high-octane world of the World Rally Championship (WRC), Elfyn Evans has found himself grappling with a bitter disappointment after finishing just four points short of the coveted 2025 title. The Welsh driver, who has now been a runner-up five times, witnessed his dreams thwarted by none other than his Toyota teammate, Sebastien Ogier. Ogier’s victory at the Rally Saudi Arabia not only secured him a record-equalling ninth world title but also left Evans questioning his own strategy and approach as he prepares for the next season.
Entering the season finale, Evans was riding high, leading the championship standings after an impressive run that saw him dominate the first ten events. He was three points ahead of Ogier, poised for what could have been a historic breakthrough. However, disaster struck in Saudi Arabia. Battling through treacherous conditions and a severe road cleaning effect that exceeded expectations, Evans could only manage a disappointing sixth-place finish. Meanwhile, Ogier capitalized on the chaos, snatching third place and ultimately the championship title.
Reflecting on this heart-wrenching loss, Evans was quick to emphasize that the decisive moment wasn’t solely in Saudi Arabia. “Of course, I wasn’t fast enough on some of the dry gravel rallies in the middle of the year. Here in Saudi Arabia, I don’t think it made any difference because the road position was playing such a huge part,” he explained. Despite his struggles, Evans expressed no blame towards the final rally, instead suggesting that opportunities were squandered earlier in the season.
The 2025 season began with a bang for Evans, who racked up four consecutive podium finishes, including thrilling victories in Sweden and Kenya. However, the summer’s gravel rallies proved to be a formidable challenge. Although he managed to maintain consistency, finishing every rally within the top six – the only driver to achieve this feat – it was not enough to outpace Ogier in crucial moments. The two drivers were neck and neck, with Evans only managing to best Ogier at the Central European Rally, where Ogier faced an unfortunate crash.
Evans’ candid analysis highlighted pivotal moments where he lost valuable points, such as the four-point swings in Japan and Chile, and the struggles he faced in Greece, Portugal, and Sardinia. “Even if there wasn’t a lot more possible with the road position, I think the Super Sunday had a huge influence, and I wasn’t able to bounce back there,” he lamented. The Welshman is convinced that it’s possible to identify the lost points scattered throughout the season, admitting, “We lost by four points and I’m sure you can find four points earlier in the year.”
As he reflects on his performance, Evans acknowledges a pressing need for a more ruthless attitude moving forward. “I think if you start three rallies less, then you have already kissed away almost 100 points voluntarily,” he stated. This acknowledgment of Ogier’s advantageous road position during his part-time campaign has led Evans to reconsider his risk-taking strategies. “There are rallies like Monte where I would have not taken the extra risk to beat him knowing he wasn’t doing the championship,” he confessed, hinting at a more aggressive approach he plans to adopt in future competitions.
When pressed on whether he needs to be more cutthroat in the upcoming 2026 season, he responded with a resounding “Yes, possibly.” However, he also expressed the internal conflict of balancing risk and caution, reflecting on past decisions. “When I have, I will tell you I should be how I was the year before [taking fewer risks],” he concluded, leaving fans and analysts alike eager to see how this seasoned driver pivots in the face of adversity.
As the dust settles on the 2025 season, Elfyn Evans stands at a crossroads, ready to harness his experiences and come back stronger in a bid for the ultimate prize in the World Rally Championship. The rally world will be watching closely to see if he can transform his pain into power and finally claim the title he has long sought after. The journey to redemption begins now.









