Heavy rain, thick fog, pine needles… even snow combined to try to knock Elfyn Evans off his stride. But while the Welshman faltered in tricky conditions on the Central European Rally last month, he was resolute in his pursuit of first place on Japan’s season closer.
A result that secured runner-up spot in the final standings for the third time in his career, it also banished the memories from 12 months ago when, fighting for the win, he picked up a puncture and dropped back.
This time, Evans completed the all-Tarmac finale 1m17.7s in front with Sebastien Ogier second as Kalle Rovanpera’s high-speed lap of honour – he became World champion for a second time in Germany almost four weeks ago – ended with third place.
A podium lockout for home team Toyota also meant a first WRC success on Japanese soil for the squad, the winner nine times in 13 attempts in 2023.
While the final leg proved decisive in Japan last season, it was Friday’s opening leg that made the difference last week.
Torrential rain, fog and layers of leaves and pine needles coating the road
