Eflyn Evans struck a blow against his nearest title rival, but conceded time to another, as a three-way tussle to decide the World Rally Championship (WRC) got underway in Sardinia.
The opening stage of the Rally Italia Sardegna was a series of 2.21km head-to-head duels in the Ittiri Arena.
Championship leader Evans pipped nearest challenger Sami Pajari by 0.4 seconds in their run-off, but was only third quickest and 1.1s slower than Oliver Solberg, the other Toyota driver who can claim the title.
“I’m feeling alright at the moment,” said Welshman Evans, who has finished as runner-up in WRC five times in the past six years.
The 37-year-old from Dolgellau takes a 17-point lead over Parjari into the final rally of the season, with Solberg a further four points behind in third.
However, as championship leader, Evans faces the prospect of “opening the road”, sweeping the tracks of gravel, which could be a major disadvantage after a long spell of hot, dry weather on the Italian island.
“I would say I’m looking forward, but I think tomorrow will be tough,” Evans added.
“We are here to drive like usual and try and do a good job even though it will be quite challenging.”
Solberg – who won his stadium duel with M-Sport Ford’s Josh McErlean – was also quickest in Thursday morning’s shakedown on the gravel tracks, with Evans only sixth fastest.
Pajari posted the eighth-fastest shakedown time, having been hampered by dust from the Welshman’s car, and said after his run: “There was a lot of dust and I hope it won’t be this bad in the rally, otherwise I will have no chance.”
The Finn was fourth quickest on the opening superspecial stage behind Evans, with a fourth Toyota Gazoo Racing team-mate Sebastien Ogier in second.
Jon Armstrong, in eighth, was the quickest Ford driver, one place ahead of fellow Irishman McErlean.
The Italian round was due to be the penultimate rally on the 2026 calendar, before the removal of November’s planned Saudi Arabia finale because of the ongoing unrest in the Middle East.
All three title contenders are looking to win the title for the first time, with Evans bidding to become only the third British man to win the WRC crown – joining Colin McRae and Richard Burns.
