Thursday, December 26, 2024

World Rally Championship: Elfyn Evans loses ground in Portugal

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Elfyn Evans lost significant ground to World Rally Championship (WRC) leader Thierry Neuville after suffering problems, as Sebastien Ogier won Rally de Portugal.

Evans finished only sixth and also collected no Sunday points after overheating problems with his Toyota Yaris.

It means Neuville, third in Portugal, has stretched his championship lead from six points to 24 after five rounds.

“I am happy to arrive at the end, see you in Sardinia,” was Evans’ verdict after the final stage.

Welshman Evans fell out of contention for a second career win in Portugal on Friday.

Already running in eighth, the 2021 winner lost a further minute when co-driver Scott Martin left his pacenote book at the stop control for stage six, and had to read notes from a mobile phone during the subsequent run – which saw a tyre come off the front-right rim of their GR Rally1 hybrid.

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