Latvala explains Evans' incredible start to the season…and Rovanperä's woes

Toyota could hardly have hoped for a better start to the season. Whether in Monte Carlo or in Sweden, the Japanese manufacturer dominated the debates against the Hyundai and to the Fords M-Sport. Result: two rallies, two victories, two doubles! In Sweden, Elfyn Evans and Takamoto Katsuta were the main protagonists of the event, in a duel won by the Welshman against the Japanese. The Briton – who had a clean sweep in Scandinavia by scoring 35 points out of 35 possible – is in the form of his life and is the clear leader of the championship with 61 points (out of 70 possible).

A form that contrasts with the mixed season experienced in 2024: despite finishing vice-world champion, Elfyn Evans had only won one rally last year and had never really been in the title race against the Hyundais of Thierry Neuville et Ott TänakThis year, Elfyn Evans has the knife between his teeth and it shows on the track... while, at the same time, Kalle Rovanperä is having a difficult return to the discipline, despite a fairly flattering 3rd place in the Drivers' ranking.

The Finn, who is returning full-time in WRC this season, has had some difficulties with the Yaris on the first two rounds of the championship. Transparent in Monte-Carlo and in Sweden, the double world champion is not at the level that we know him to be. For Jari-Matti Latvala, his protégé suffers because of two specific elements. "This combination of a non-hybrid car and different tires (Hankook, Ed.) does not necessarily suit Kalle's [Rovanperä] driving style. Kalle now has to adapt, and I think that may be where the problem lies, Toyota Team Principal highlights. And on the other hand, I think it suits [better] Elfyn [Evans]'s riding style."

Evans freed… thanks to Rovanperä

A relieved, liberated and therefore more daring Elfyn Evans in his driving. No doubt: the Welshman is driving with much less pressure than last year. A direct consequence of Kalle Rovanperä's return to business full-time: the presence of the Finn allows Toyota to rely on several top drivers to play for the Constructors' title, unlike last season.  “Of course the team didn’t want to put him in that situation [in 2024], but we only had two full-time drivers. And Taka [Katsuta] was probably in a situation where he was still looking for experience and he wasn’t ready to fight for the title, so [Elfyn Evans] knew he was the only driver to play for the championship, concedes Jari-Matti Latvala. That's what put the pressure on him. Elfyn is also more relaxed [in 2025], I can see that. Since the beginning of the year, I have the feeling that when he knows that the team is supporting him – and with the other drivers present – ​​he carries less weight on his shoulders, so he is more relaxed."

A solid leader of the championship with a 30-point lead over his Finnish teammate, Elfyn Evans has already made the break after only two rallies. Comfortable on asphalt, victorious on snow, the Welshman will have to confirm in Kenya, the first gravel rally of the season. If he manages to play at the front despite his position as opener, the Toyota driver could already deal a hammer blow to the competition. He still has to make sure of it because unfortunately, in the past, Elfyn Evans has accustomed us to cracking in important moments. Will the Briton be there mentally throughout the season? That's all we wish for him.

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