Elfyn Evans questioned herself in 2022: “We couldn't continue like this”

Dolphin shot after shot Sébastien Ogier in the World Rally Championship (WRC) en 2020 et 2021, Elfyn Evans (Toyota) a raté le coche en 2022. Le Gallois a chuté à la quatrième position, sans avoir remporté la moindre épreuve.

The 33-year-old driver seemed to subscribe to the places of honor (four times second) but lacked consistency and speed, especially against his teammate Kalle Rovanperä, who became the youngest champion in the history of the discipline.

It was actually his adaptation to the new Yaris GR hybrid that posed a problem for most of the season.

On the plus side, we made improvements from Spain and found some extra pace which allowed us to push for the win. But it's been a disappointing day today which sums up our season really. well done to @TakamotoKatsuta for his home podium 👏 🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/8BhPTHo97Q

— Elfyn Evans (@ElfynEvans) November 13, 2022

“I worked a lot after Spain (6e) », said Elfyn Evans at WRC.com. “We couldn't continue like this, working against ourselves with this car. It may have worked last year, but it had backfired on me. I knew I had to adapt, and I did in Japan (5th but leader until Sunday morning. Editor’s note).

I'm working well with the team on that and there will of course be an adaptation period that I'll focus on during the offseason. I want to understand everything a little better and I hope it will be better next year. »

Concerns about comfort and operation of the Toyota hybrid are taken seriously by the director of Toyota Gazoo Racing, Jari-Matti Latvala. “It was difficult for Elfyn, but Japan confirmed that they still have the speed to win. We are all working together to get him back to the pace he showed against Sébastien a few years ago. We know he can do it. »

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