Elfyn Evans acknowledges that he has identified lessons learned and areas for growth following his narrow defeat for the world rally championship to Sebastien Ogier last year, losing by just four points.
The Toyota driver enters the 2026 season having finished as the runner-up five times, making him the most accomplished driver among the current WRC participants yet to clinch a title. In 2025, Evans came closer than ever to winning, only to have his dreams dashed by teammate Ogier in a thrilling finale in Saudi Arabia.
Evans arguably had his best season last year, showcasing remarkable consistency with finishes in the top six in all 14 rounds, including victories in Sweden and Kenya. He led the championship in ten of those events and performed admirably throughout the season.
While he managed to combine speed with reliability to navigate through the season without major setbacks, it wasn’t enough to eclipse Ogier, who delivered what many consider to be one of the best performances of his career to secure his historic ninth championship title, even though he skipped three rallies. This marked the third time Ogier has outpaced Evans for the title, with similar close contests in 2020 and 2021 finalized at Rally Monza.
Will Evans’ Strategy Evolve in 2026?
Following last season’s narrow loss, Evans believes that significant changes to his strategy for 2026 are unnecessary. He is known for his thorough preparation and demonstrated his ability to maintain consistency while also keeping pace with arguably the greatest driver in rally history, Ogier.
One area where Evans sees potential for improvement is in how he approaches competition against Ogier, especially since the reigning champion is scheduled to compete in only ten rounds this year, one fewer than last season.
Taking More Risks?
Evans has typically approached rallies with caution, as reflected in his consistent scoring in 2025. However, given his near miss for the title last year, he recognizes the possibility of needing to adopt a riskier strategy in 2026.
Identifying Key Areas for Improvement
In 2025, one of Evans’ challenges was performing on dry gravel rallies in Portugal, Sardinia, and Greece. After a strong start to the season, he faced difficulties due to road conditions during consecutive gravel events. This year’s calendar presents a blend of asphalt, snow, and gravel events, which could provide him with a different opportunity to tackle the championships.
Evans is aware that his pace in Portugal, Sardinia, and Greece fell short of his expectations. He aims to enhance his performance in these conditions this season, believing he has a stronger setup prepared.
Impact of Championship Changes
This year, the absence of two former champions, Kalle Rovanpera and Ott Tanak, may alter the competitive landscape. Rovanpera has transitioned to single-seaters, while Tanak has taken a step back from full-time WRC participation.
Even with reduced competition, Evans believes the overall level of racing will remain high, noting that newcomers like Toyota’s Oliver Solberg could fill the competitive gaps. Solberg has shown winning potential, and with further development, the ongoing evolution of the championship dynamics remains intriguing.
Despite facing disappointments in securing the title over recent years, Evans remains determined and motivated, stating that he will continue to strive for improvements while maintaining the same focus and dedication.
