Elfyn Evans Proud But “Frustrated” as Toyota Seal Manufacturers’ Crown and he Reclaims WRC Lead

It was a result that not only returned him to the top of the World Rally Championship standings, but also secured Toyota’s manufacturers’ title with two rounds to spare.

The Welshman delivered under pressure on the final day, overhauling rival Ott Tänak to claim the runner-up spot behind Kalle Rovanperä, whose win sealed Toyota’s ninth WRC manufacturers’ crown – just one short of Lancia’s all-time record.

While the outcome boosted Evans’ own title hopes, his reaction reflected pride for the team balanced with personal frustration.

“I’m overjoyed for this team winning the manufacturers’ championship once again,” said Evans. 

“There’s a massive effort behind this and everybody is working very hard to deliver us the best car and give us the best chances, so I have to say a huge thank you and well done.

“For me it maybe wasn’t quite the weekend we really hoped for.

“I think we should have had the potential to do more, so I’m a bit frustrated. 

“It was important to turn things around a bit today and it was a much better day. We managed to grab the second place back from Ott, so I’m happy with how things turned out.”

READ MORE: Elfyn Evans Relaxed Even Though His WRC Lead Has Been Cut After Sardinia

Evans and co-driver Scott Martin – competing in his 200th WRC event – began the final day 8.4 seconds behind Tänak but produced a strong push, cutting the gap to 1.1s before the last stage. 

They then went 6.7s faster than their Hyundai rival to claim second overall and valuable points from both the Power Stage and Super Sunday classifications.

The result gives Evans a 13-point lead in the drivers’ standings ahead of Toyota teammates Rovanperä and Sébastien Ogier, with Tänak a further 50 points adrift.

For Toyota, the rally capped another dominant display in 2025. Rovanperä’s victory, co-driven by Jonne Halttunen, was the team’s 11th from 12 rounds this season in the GR Yaris Rally1 car. 

READ MORE: Elfyn Evans Eyes Climb After Gruelling Opening Day In Sardinia

The Finn controlled the rally after Ogier, who had been challenging for the lead, slid into a tree following a puncture on Saturday.

Ogier returned on Sunday to set the fastest time on every stage, taking maximum points from the day’s classifications. 

Takamoto Katsuta finished fourth overall with two stage wins, while Oliver Solberg once again led the Rally2 class in eighth.

With the manufacturers’ championship already secured, all focus now turns to Evans’ pursuit of a first world title — and with two rounds left, his determination remains clear, even amid frustration at what might have been.