Evans ponders tactics in title chase

The Toyota Gazoo Racing driver, who has finished runner-up for the last two years, is among the favourites for this season’s crown – but he knows he needs more big scores in his GR Yaris Rally1 to take him to the top of the table at the end of the season.

“The bottom line is, if you want to win championships then you have to win rallies and you could probably argue that I didn’t do enough of that last year,” admitted the Welshman.

“At the same time, it’s a balance. Everybody wants to win rallies, but at the same time it’s really important that you keep stacking the points up and keep scoring.

“Having the two Sébastiens [Loeb and Ogier, who have part-programmes] finishing first and second in Monte, maybe softens the blow of what happened to us on round one, but ultimately we want to win.”

Sliding off the road at Rallye Monte-Carlo left Evans in a lowly 21st overall – but second place on the Wolf Power Stage delivered a welcome four points to his tally. He sits 13 points behind team-mate Kalle Rovanperä, the highest-placed full-time WRC competitor.

Evans is looking forward to the WRC’s return to Rally Sweden (24 - 27 February). Last time he was there he dominated proceedings to win on only his second start in a Yaris World Rally Car.

“This year’s going to be different,” said Evans, “it’s a new location, new roads and a different rally really. But Sweden’s a great rally in the right conditions and I’m sure we’ll have those. I’m looking forward to that one and to see what’s possible when we get there.”