Bad news has been merciless for Ott Tänak and Thierry Neuville. Has the golden opportunity come for Elfyn Evans to surpass these two losers

Elfyn Evans has been one of the most consistent drivers in the World Rally Championship over the past several seasons. Yet, despite his talent, skill, and numerous rally victories, he remains in the shadows of Ott Tänak and Thierry Neuville. With the 2025 season approaching, the landscape of the WRC is shifting dramatically. Tänak has faced increasing struggles with consistency and team conflicts, while Neuville’s unexpected departure from Hyundai Motorsport has thrown his future into uncertainty. With these two facing career turbulence, Evans has perhaps his best-ever opportunity to claim his first world title.

The question remains whether he has what it takes to finally step out of their shadow and claim the championship that has eluded him for years. The competition in the WRC remains fierce, with young talents emerging and established veterans refusing to give up their dominance. If Evans is to capitalize on this golden opportunity, he must prove that he is not just a skilled driver but also a champion capable of handling the intense pressure that comes with fighting for the title.

The upcoming season will be one of the most important in his career. This is his moment to redefine his legacy. If he fails to deliver, he may forever be known as the driver who came close but never quite reached the pinnacle of the sport.

The Rise of Evans in the World Rally Championship

Elfyn Evans has always been a driver full of potential. Coming from a rallying background, with his father Gwyndaf Evans being a successful driver in the British Rally Championship, it seemed inevitable that he would follow in those footsteps. However, what has set him apart from other drivers with strong family connections to the sport is his ability to deliver strong performances consistently.

When he first entered the WRC scene, there were many expectations, but few believed he would become a serious championship contender. His early years were marked by learning experiences, adapting to the high demands of the sport, and building a reputation as a reliable and intelligent driver. Over time, he developed a style that focused on consistency rather than all-out aggression, an approach that has kept him in the title fight year after year.

As he gained more experience, he started to produce outstanding performances. His breakthrough came when he joined Toyota Gazoo Racing, one of the most successful teams in WRC history. Under their guidance, he evolved into a driver who could challenge for rally wins regularly. While other competitors were either inconsistent or prone to mistakes under pressure, Evans built his reputation as one of the most composed drivers in the championship.

The Missed Opportunities

Despite his strong performances, Evans has often fallen short when it mattered the most. His best chances to claim the world title came in two key seasons, both of which ended in disappointment.

The first of these came when he was locked in an intense title battle with Sébastien Ogier. Throughout the season, he displayed incredible pace, intelligence, and adaptability. Going into the final rally of the season, he was in a position to take his first-ever WRC title. However, a dramatic crash in difficult conditions ended his hopes and handed the championship to his legendary teammate.

Another opportunity arose in a later season when he once again found himself in contention for the title, this time against younger rivals like Kalle Rovanperä. Despite delivering several strong performances, he was unable to match the sheer dominance of the young Finn, who had taken the WRC by storm. While Evans remained competitive, his inability to deliver a truly dominant season left him as the runner-up once again.

These near-misses have raised questions about whether he has the extra level required to become a world champion. Unlike Ogier or Tänak, who capitalized on their championship opportunities when they came, Evans has lacked the final push needed to cross the finish line first in the title race.

Tänak’s Struggles

Ott Tänak remains one of the most naturally gifted drivers in WRC, but his career since winning the championship has been turbulent. His departure from Toyota after winning the title seemed like a bold move at the time, but his time at Hyundai was filled with tension and difficulties. Mechanical failures, disagreements with team management, and an overall lack of stability prevented him from mounting a serious title defense.

When he left Hyundai to return to M-Sport Ford, many believed it was a fresh start that could allow him to challenge for another title. However, the limitations of the car meant he was unable to fight at the very top. His return to Hyundai seemed like a chance for redemption, but once again, inconsistency plagued his season.

With Tänak struggling to find the right environment to succeed, he enters the 2025 season as an unpredictable factor. He remains a fast driver capable of winning any rally, but his inconsistency means he may not be a long-term threat in the title race. If Evans can outperform him in crucial rallies, he will be in a strong position to gain an advantage over one of his biggest rivals.

Neuville’s Unexpected Departure

Thierry Neuville’s situation is even more uncertain. After years of heartbreak and finishing as the runner-up multiple times, he finally claimed his first world championship title. However, instead of solidifying his position at Hyundai, he shocked the WRC world by announcing his departure from the team.

While the exact reasons behind his exit remain unclear, speculation suggests that internal conflicts within the team played a major role. Hyundai has struggled with internal management disputes in the past, and it appears that Neuville was no longer satisfied with the direction the team was taking.

His next move is still unknown, which leaves a significant gap in the championship battle. If he is unable to secure a competitive seat for the 2025 season, Evans will have one less major rival standing in his way.

The Role of Toyota Gazoo Racing

One of the key advantages Evans has over his rivals is the team he drives for. Toyota Gazoo Racing has established itself as the most consistent and well-managed team in WRC. With multiple championship wins in recent years, they have built a car that is both fast and reliable.

Toyota’s ability to develop a competitive car has allowed drivers like Ogier and Rovanperä to dominate the championship. If Evans can take full advantage of the team’s resources, he has the potential to mount a serious title challenge.

With Rovanperä possibly reducing his full-time commitment to WRC, Evans could become the main driver leading Toyota’s championship fight. This shift in team dynamics could work in his favor, giving him more opportunities to establish himself as the clear title contender.

The Young Challengers

While much of the focus remains on Evans, Tänak, and Neuville, the emergence of young talents could complicate the championship race. Drivers like Oliver Solberg and Adrien Fourmaux have shown glimpses of incredible potential. If they continue to develop, they could pose a serious threat to the established drivers.

Evans must be cautious not to underestimate these young challengers. While experience gives him an advantage, the hunger and raw speed of younger drivers can disrupt the championship battle.

The Pressure to Deliver

With the shifting dynamics of WRC, Evans finds himself in a unique position. He has all the tools needed to claim his first world championship, but the question is whether he can handle the pressure. The weight of expectation has affected him in the past, and he must ensure that he remains composed throughout the season.

This could be his final and best opportunity to achieve his dream. If he fails to capitalize on the struggles of Tänak and Neuville, he may never get a better chance.

The Road Ahead

The 2025 WRC season will be a defining moment in Elfyn Evans’ career. With his biggest rivals facing uncertainty, he has the chance to finally step into the spotlight and claim his first world championship. If he succeeds, he will cement his legacy as one of the top drivers of his generation. If he falls short once again, his status as a nearly-man in WRC history may become permanent.

The road to glory is never easy, but for Evans, it is now or never.