Toyota’s lead driver led through the early stages in the French Alps before dropping back to third behind eventual winner Thierry Neuville and second-placed Sébastien Ogier.
Evans himself talked of the need to put points on the board rather than gamble on the event which started outside Monaco’s world-famous casino.
“Making the points was the right decision,” said Latvala. “You can remember what happened and how Elfyn felt when he went off the road [in 2022]. He wanted to take good points away from here and he did that – I know that’s what he wanted when he went off two years ago. He’s thinking about the championship and, for me, that’s what he needs to do.
“His car was working well on the clean road, but when the cuts were coming and the road was dirtier, he couldn’t get the same feeling. He backed off and took the points. This way he goes to Sweden with a good feeling.
"Okay, the road position can still be tricky [in Sweden], but it’s easier to go to round two [with points on the board]," Latvala added.
Finland
Italy
Hungary