Evans reflects on podium finish in Portugal

Elfyn Evans finished third in Portugal following a late-stage reshuffle that saw Toyota teammates Sébastien Ogier and Sami Pajari suffer punctures. Despite the podium result, Evans admitted to frustration, noting that his performance did not reflect his true potential throughout the weekend. He specifically pointed to missed opportunities during the rainy stages, where he struggled to find the necessary rhythm.

While Evans remains the points leader after six rounds of the 2026 season, he highlighted ongoing concerns regarding the car’s handling on loose surfaces. Although recent development work has yielded improvements in certain areas, the Welsh driver feels he has sacrificed a comfortable balance, particularly on gravel. He emphasized the importance of regaining that confidence as the season progresses.

Looking ahead, the championship shifts to FORUM8 Rally Japan. Evans anticipates a difficult challenge in the upcoming round, citing expected high temperatures and the technical, twisty nature of the stages as potential complications for the crews.