Why Ogier's absence in Sweden is bad news for Evans

By not adding Sweden to his programme this season, Sébastien Ogier is not giving a nice present to Elfyn Evans who could have a difficult weekend.

Published 27/01/2025 à 17:04

Gonzalo Forbes

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Why Ogier's absence in Sweden is bad news for Evans

© Bastien Roux / DPPI

By winning this 10th Rally Monte Carlo of his career, Sébastien Ogier did he unintentionally play a trick on his teammate Elfyn Evans in preparation for Sweden (February 13-16) ? On a partial program since the 2022 season, the eight-time world champion has never returned to the snowy roads of Sweden, his last appearance dating back to 2020 with a 4th place to the key.

An absence that is ultimately quite logical but which does not play in favour of his Welsh team-mate, collateral victim of Sébastien Ogier's half-time commitment. Second in Monte-Carlo last weekend, Elfyn Evans unfortunately inherited the "idiot" spot in Sweden.

Big challenge ahead

As per the rules, the championship leader is first in the running order on the first day of each rally before it is determined by the (reverse) standings for the rest of the weekend. A role that should have been initially honoured but his non-participation forces Elfyn Evans to be the heir.

Here is the 2024 vice-world champion who received a gift that he would have done well without for Sweden, where the mission of sweeping the road is among the most complicated of the season. Thus, the Welshman will be the first to take the start during the first 9 special stages with the aim of losing as little time as possible and above all to avoid spending the whole weekend opening, or almost, for his little comrades.

Good news for Rovanperä?

Obviously, the latter will want to take advantage of Elfyn Evans' situation to quickly push him out of the race for victory. This will be the case for Kalle Rovanperä in particular. Absent from Monte-Carlo, a rally that he does not hold dear to his heart due to its characteristics, the double world champion intends to get back on track during this second round of the year. Sweden indeed corresponds to his driving style, having grown up on these very fast roads.

« The weekend was disappointing, he admitted after the first rally of the year. We didn't get the result we wanted, nor the pace we wanted. At least we scored points, big thanks to the team. We'll see in Sweden if we can remember how to drive a rally car or not. "There, he will be third in the starting order and should take full advantage of the tracks made by Elfyn Evans and Adrien fourmaux before him.

ALSO READ > Sébastien Ogier after his victory in Monte-Carlo: "Why not leave while I'm on top?"

Gonzalo Forbes

In charge of promotion formulas (F2, F3, FRECA, F4...). Carried by the grace of Franco Colapinto.

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