Evans Looking To Reign In Spain

Elfyn Evans hopes to put his pain in Spain behind him as he targets a top five spot in the World Rally Championship.

The Dolgellau-born driver has competed in the event four times previously but his best result is 14th in 2014.

But Evans knows if he can maintain his fine form on his return to the WRC then he could move up the standings.

The 28-year-old is sixth but just two points behind Spain’s Dani Sordo with just three rallies – Spain, Wales Rally GB and Australia – left.

Evans, who has bagged two second placed finishes this season, said: “As the only mixed-surface event on the calendar, Rally Spain is really unique.

“I’ve not had the best of luck there in the past, but we’ll be hoping to put that right this year.

“The gravel stages can be quite technical and on the Terra Alta stage we have long sections of asphalt in amongst the gravel.

“That can make the car move around quite a lot and you have to drive with the whole stage in mind.

“It’s quite a strategic rally in that sense and you have to think about the long game with a day and a half of pure Tarmac to follow the gravel.

“The weather could also prove a deciding factor so it’ll be interesting to see what the Spanish forecasts have to offer us this year.

“With the championship so close, this event could be really crucial and we’re all determined to deliver our best.”

Evans will be armed with a new grave tyre from DMACK for Thursday’s six special stages around Salou, south of Barcelona.

Then his Ford Fiesta WRC car will get changed to Tarmac specification by the M-Sport World Rally Team technicians during a specially-extended service on Friday evening.

Evans added: “We’re looking forward to trying the new specification gravel tyre in competition for the first time.

“It will be interesting to see how it performs in the range of conditions over the last three events.

“We’re pushing again for another strong drive in Spain and especially to help our M-Sport team in the manufacturer championship battle.”

Dick Cormack, DMACK managing director, said: “We’ve been working hard on development this season and the new WRC gravel tyres are the result of ongoing assessment and evaluation during events this year.

“We are confident that they will be more suited to the conditions on the final three rallies.”