Thierry Neuville ruled WRC 2024, but can Elfyn Evans shake things up and dethrone him in 2025

The 2024 World Rally Championship season was a defining one for Thierry Neuville. After years of coming close but falling short, the Belgian driver finally claimed his first WRC title, putting an end to a long journey filled with near-misses. With Hyundai providing him with a competitive car and Neuville showcasing incredible consistency, he was able to dominate the season and establish himself as the best rally driver of the year.

As the motorsport world turns its attention to the upcoming 2025 season, the biggest question on everyone’s mind is whether Neuville will be able to defend his crown or if another driver will rise to challenge him. Among the strongest contenders, Elfyn Evans stands out as a driver who has repeatedly come close but has yet to secure his first world title. After finishing as the championship runner-up multiple times, the Welsh driver is determined to go one step further and finally claim the crown in 2025.

The battle between Neuville and Evans is expected to be the central storyline of the upcoming season. Both drivers have proven their ability to compete at the highest level, and their respective teams, Hyundai and Toyota, will do everything in their power to give them the tools to succeed. The question remains: will Evans be able to challenge Neuville’s dominance, or will the Belgian continue his reign at the top?

How Thierry Neuville Secured the 2024 Title

For many years, Neuville was considered one of the best drivers in WRC without a title to his name. He had finished second in the championship multiple times, often losing out due to mechanical failures, team strategy issues, or simply being outperformed by his rivals at crucial moments. In 2024, however, everything came together for him.

One of the biggest factors behind Neuville’s success was Hyundai’s ability to deliver a well-balanced car that performed strongly across various surfaces. Whether on gravel, tarmac, or snow, the Hyundai i20 N Rally1 proved to be one of the most competitive machines on the grid. This allowed Neuville to be consistent throughout the season, rarely experiencing the kind of mechanical issues that had plagued him in previous years.

Another key element of Neuville’s triumph was his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. While other drivers struggled with inconsistency, Neuville maintained a composed and measured approach. He won critical rallies at important moments, particularly in Monte Carlo and Finland, two events that played a significant role in shaping the championship standings.

At the same time, his main rivals, including Elfyn Evans and Kalle Rovanperä, faced their own challenges. Toyota, despite being highly competitive, suffered from reliability issues at crucial points in the season. Evans showed strong performances but was unable to capitalize when it mattered most, while Rovanperä’s campaign was hampered by bad luck and strategic missteps.

Neuville’s ability to maximize his opportunities and maintain his composure under pressure ultimately allowed him to clinch the title. However, as he prepares for 2025, he knows that defending a championship is often more difficult than winning one. The competition will be stronger than ever, and drivers like Evans will be even more determined to challenge his supremacy.

Elfyn Evans: A Driver on the Verge of Greatness

Elfyn Evans has consistently proven himself as one of the fastest and most reliable drivers in the WRC. Since joining Toyota, he has been a constant title contender, finishing as the championship runner-up multiple times. However, despite coming close on several occasions, he has yet to take the final step and secure the world title.

One of the biggest strengths of Evans is his adaptability. He has shown that he can be competitive on all surfaces, whether it be gravel, tarmac, or snow. This versatility has allowed him to consistently score points across the calendar, keeping him in the title fight every season. However, one of the key challenges he has faced is closing out a championship when it reaches its final stages.

In 2020, he came within touching distance of the title but was ultimately defeated by Sébastien Ogier. In 2021, he once again finished second, unable to overcome Rovanperä’s incredible form. The 2024 season followed a similar pattern, with Evans proving to be one of Neuville’s closest challengers but falling just short in the end.

As the 2025 season approaches, Evans is more determined than ever to change this pattern. He knows that Toyota has the resources and experience to develop a title-winning car, and he will be looking to capitalize on any weaknesses from Hyundai and Neuville. The key for Evans will be maintaining his consistency while also taking more risks when necessary. In previous seasons, he has sometimes been too cautious in critical moments, which has cost him valuable points. If he can find the right balance between aggression and control, he could finally claim his first championship.

Key Battles That Will Shape the 2025 Season

Several rallies in 2025 will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the championship. Among them, Rally Monte Carlo will set the tone for the season. As the opening round, it will provide an early indication of which teams have made the biggest improvements over the winter break. Both Neuville and Evans have performed well here in the past, making it a critical battleground.

Rally Finland is another event that will be pivotal in the title race. Traditionally a stronghold for Toyota, this rally presents one of the best opportunities for Evans to gain an advantage over Neuville. If Toyota can maintain its dominance in Finland, Evans will need to capitalize on this opportunity to gain crucial points in the championship standings.

On the other hand, rallies held on asphalt, such as Rally Spain, have historically favored Hyundai. Neuville has been particularly strong on this surface, and if Evans wants to challenge him, he will need to improve his performance on tarmac events. A strong showing in Spain would demonstrate that he is capable of competing with Neuville on all types of terrain.

The final rounds of the season will likely determine the champion. Rally Japan, which is expected to be one of the last events on the calendar, could be a decisive moment for the title fight. Toyota will be under immense pressure to deliver a strong result at its home rally, and Evans will need to rise to the occasion if he is still in contention by this stage of the season.

Other Contenders Who Could Impact the Championship

While the focus will be on the battle between Neuville and Evans, other drivers could also play a significant role in shaping the championship fight.

Kalle Rovanperä remains one of the most talented drivers in WRC. If he decides to commit to a full season, he will undoubtedly be a strong title contender. His raw speed is unmatched, and if he can find more consistency, he could challenge both Neuville and Evans for the top spot.

Ott Tänak is another driver who could shake up the title race. While his performances have been inconsistent in recent seasons, he remains one of the most aggressive and skilled drivers on the grid. If M-Sport Ford is able to develop a more competitive car, Tänak could steal crucial points from the main championship contenders.

Additionally, Sébastien Ogier’s potential participation in selected rallies could have an impact. Even though he is no longer competing full-time, his experience and ability to win events could influence the championship standings. If he takes points away from Neuville or Evans in key rallies, it could shift the balance of the title race.

The Road to the 2025 WRC Title

The 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent years. Neuville will be aiming to defend his crown, while Evans will be more determined than ever to finally claim his first championship. With Toyota and Hyundai pushing each other to the limit, the battle for supremacy will be intense from the first rally to the last.

Evans has all the tools to challenge for the title, but whether he can dethrone Neuville will depend on his ability to deliver under pressure. The Welsh driver has come close before, but if he wants to become a world champion, he must find the consistency and killer instinct needed to take the final step.

As WRC enters another thrilling season, one thing is certain—the fight for the 2025 championship will be a battle for the ages.