Elfyn Evans' Five Near Misses in WRC Title Pursuit

Welsh rally driver Elfyn Evans is once again vying for the World Rally Championship (WRC) title, with his current focus on the upcoming event in Sardinia. This season marks another opportunity for Evans to secure the championship that has eluded him on five previous occasions, where he has finished as the runner-up. BBC Sport has reviewed these five instances where victory was within reach but ultimately not achieved.

Evans' first near-miss occurred in 2017, during his tenure with the DMACK British Rally Team. He finished the season in second place, a significant achievement that highlighted his potential. The following year, 2018, saw another strong performance, but he again ended the championship as the runner-up. These early seasons demonstrated Evans' consistent pace and ability to challenge for top positions in the highly competitive WRC circuit.

The 2020 season proved to be particularly dramatic for Evans. Driving for the Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT team, he was in contention for the title until the final stages of the championship. Despite winning multiple rallies throughout the season, he narrowly missed out on the championship crown, finishing second. This season was a testament to his resilience and skill, but also underscored the fine margins that define WRC success.

In 2021, Evans continued with Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT and once again found himself in a battle for the championship. He secured another runner-up position, marking the fourth time he had achieved this feat. The consistency required to remain a championship contender year after year is immense, and Evans has consistently demonstrated this capability. His ability to adapt to different rally conditions and car setups has been a hallmark of his career.

The most recent instance of Evans finishing as runner-up was in the 2022 season. He once again competed with Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT, and despite a strong showing, the championship title slipped through his grasp. The five instances of finishing second—in 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, and 2022—underscore the persistent challenge Evans has faced in capturing the ultimate prize in rallying. His ongoing pursuit in Sardinia signifies his continued determination to overcome these past near-misses and finally claim the WRC title.