Championship leader Elfyn Evans won’t restart Rally Portugal on Saturday following his crash in the penultimate stage of Friday.
Evans had been first on the road on Friday after being tied on points with Sebastien Ogier heading into Rally Portugal. With isn’t competing in Portugal which meant that Evans was first on the road. As a result, the Welshman had the worst road conditions with the loosest gravel to sweep.
Heading into stage 7, Evans was sixth overall in the standings but went off in the first and only run of Mortágua. Footage that was revealed hours after the off showed that Evans and co-driver Scott Martin went off into trees.
Toyota confirmed shortly after the incident that the crew were OK. The team had to wait until the evening for the car to be brought back to service in order to check if the car was able to be repaired for the remainder of the rally. After inspecting the car, Toyota confirmed Evans’ Yaris is unable to be repaired to restart: “Elfyn and Scott underwent medical checks after their accident and are both doing well.
“After inspecting the damage to car #33, the team has taken the decision to retire it from the rally.”
Takamoto Katsuta retired on the first day due to alternator problems. However, the Japanese driver will be able to restart on Saturday.
Day 2, Saturday, road order: Katsuta, Tänak, Neuville, Loubet, Lappi, Sordo, Rovanperä. Full road order here.
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Photo: Toyota GAZOO Racing
