Evans praises Toyota engineering after strong Rally Islas Canarias performance
Toyota marked a significant milestone at Rally Islas Canarias, surpassing 300 World Rally Championship podiums while maintaining its stranglehold on the event. The GR Yaris Rally1 proved untouchable on the island's asphalt, winning every one of the 17 contested stages. The manufacturer successfully replicated its 1-2-3-4 finish from the previous year, a feat celebrated by deputy team principal Juha Kankkunen.
Elfyn Evans finished second behind winner Sébastien Ogier, representing a notable improvement over his third-place result from the previous season. The Welshman attributed the car's superior balance to the tireless development work of Toyota's engineers, noting that the package remains a class above the competition on tarmac surfaces.
Despite a sluggish start to the rally, Evans recovered to secure maximum points on Sunday, propelling him back to the top of the championship standings. The result provides a crucial momentum shift for Evans following recent difficult outings in Kenya and Croatia. As the series shifts back to gravel for the upcoming Rally de Portugal, Evans will face the challenge of opening the roads as the current points leader.
