Evans: Rovanpera “adapted quicker” to gel with 2022 Toyota WRC car

The runner-up from the previous two WRC campaigns has endured a slow start to the championship’s hybrid era, while team-mate Kalle Rovanpera has quickly adapted to the new car, romping to a runaway championship lead.

Evans was on course to score podiums in Monte Carlo and Sweden before crashing out of both events, while punctures ended his victory hopes in Croatia.

The Welshman picked up his first rostrum of the season in Portugal last month after losing out in a head-to-head duel for victory with Rovanpera, which Evans feels was partly down to not being “at one" with his GR Yaris.

“It was important to stay on the podium at least, it was of course not the result we really wanted,” Evans told Autosport.

“It is good to have the strong result but at the same time you always want to win. We know there are areas to work on as I definitely didn’t feel completely at one with everything at all times during the Portugal the weekend.

“I think there are areas of the car we can still improve and I’m sure that is the same for everyone, but we know we have a fast car, but there is still a bit of work to do to get it to perfection in terms of suiting it to me.

“The guys have done an incredible weekend with the car [in Portugal] and when you look at the conditions we had on Friday and the reliability we have enjoyed as a team it has been impressive.”

#Kalle Rovanperä, Jonne Halttunen, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1, Elfyn Evans, Scott Martin, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1

Photo by: McKlein / Motorsport Images

Asked if he felt the GR Yaris was more suited to Rovanpera, Evans replied: “I don’t think it is fair to say [that]. I think he has probably adapted quicker which is the honest truth and that is it.