Maiden WRC Win A Bridge Too Far As Evans Agonisingly Misses Out

Elfyn Evans agonisingly missed out on his maiden World Rally Championship victory in Argentina in one of the closest finishes in history.

The Dolgellau driver lost out by just 0.7 seconds to Belgium’s Thierry Neuville after 221 miles and 18 stages having dominated the event virtually from the start.

Evans – whose lead at one point was over a minute on Saturday – went into Sunday’s final stage having seen his advantage whittled down to just 0.6secs.

But he looked poised to win until Neuville snatched a second successive win in his Hyundai after a slight late error saw him clip a bridge.

It was a cruel way for the rally to end for Evans and co-driver Dan Barritt in their Ford Fiesta WRC.

He said: “It’s been a milestone event in my career.

“We are obviously disappointed at not sealing our first win in the WRC but this weekend has made me even more determined.

“We’ve picked up so much from this rally, I know I have the pace to challenge at the top now and the experience will help me to improve even further.”

Evans had reeled off a series of fastest stage times with his DMACK tyres revelling in the conditions.

But a couple of punctures, the car’s diffuser coming off and a brake issue saw his lead reduced to just 11 secs by his rival on Saturday.

Evans lost another 2.5s on Sunday’s first special stage before Neuville’s searing pace on the penultimate stage set up the decider.

Evans finished the stage just 1.3 secs slower but that was enough to tip the balance against him leaving him waiting for that first victory.

But Evans – who matched his career best WRC finish – has justified his return to the premier championship after a season in WRC2.

The 28-year-old is now sixth in the championship standings with 42 points.

He also tops the standings for the highest number of stage wins this year.

Dick Cormack, DMACK managing director, said: “It has been an incredible weekend on probably the toughest and most challenging event in the WRC.

“Elfyn and Dan produced a stunning performance this weekend and it is extremely reassuring to know we have the complete package to challenge for victory on all of the gravel events this season. We look forward to taking the battle to Michelin in Portugal.”