On the podium in the Canary Islands, Evans still struggling: "Having trouble feeling effective"

Not exactly comfortable behind the wheel of his Toyota In the GR Yaris Rally1 on Friday, Elfyn Evans had to admit defeat at the end of the day against Ogier and Solberg, but also Sami Pajari, who climbed onto the provisional podium. The reigning vice-world champion set the record straight right from the first special stage of the morning, before making a big move in SS10, and closing in on his two teammates. The third timed section, the longest of the rally with nearly 29 kilometers, however, put the situation more or less back where it was before the start of the day, with Evans third, 18,2 seconds behind the leader.

In changing conditions, with rain falling in parts of the various stages, Elfyn Evans may have been able to somewhat mask his difficulties. Once the conditions became dry again, however, the Welshman was struggling once more, although he noted an improvement compared to Friday.

"It was very tricky. The conditions were very different in each stage, and the last one was particularly long. I think we still need to work a bit more. The conditions were very different, and I had a good feeling in those conditions, trusting the tire grip and really putting energy into it. When everything returned to normal, it wasn't great again."

For the afternoon loop, if the rain makes the three special stages particularly tricky, No. 33 would not complain, or at least less than his opponents, aware that it can give him a slight advantage over the competition.

“There have been improvements; I’m having a little less trouble with the car’s balance than at the start of the rally, but even though I can feel the car rotating now, I’m still struggling to feel effective behind the wheel. I think nobody would prefer to see rain, but we might have a better chance if it rains.”

Interview by Pierre Barré, in the Canary Islands.

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