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The positive ray of light for WRC leader Evans in Paraguay
World Rally Championship leader Elfyn Evans has faced a damage limitation task on gravel rallies in recent months, but in Paraguay this weekend his title bid could be set for a boost.
As per the WRC sporting regulations, the championship leader is required to start rallies from first on the road. On asphalt events this is seen as an advantage, with those at the top of the order set to face usually the best of the road conditions.
However, on gravel it presents a huge disadvantage as roads generally become quicker as loose gravel is swept away by the cars, creating a cleaner and faster line for those starting behind. This road cleaning effect has proven to be detrimental for Evans, who has been forced to act as road sweeper on five of the last six gravel rallies.
Leading the championship by a slender three points from Toyota team-mate Kalle Rovanpera, Evans is hopeful the time loss from starting first on the road will be decreased in Paraguay. The amount of loose gravel on Paraguay’s clay-like road surface appears to be much less on Friday compared to previous rallies.
“I think maybe on Friday there is a chance that the road is more compact, so hopefully the cleaning effect is not as bad as what we have seen in previous events,” said Evans.
“Friday looked like the best day for it [road cleaning] when we did the recce, but it is also true we did [pass through that road] on Tuesday when there was still a bit of dampness about. Now it has been quite hot and the sun is out. Let’s see how it evolves, but Friday is looking like the better day, which is good obviously.”
Toyota
The Welshman’s hopes of extending his points lead in a quest for a maiden WRC world title will ultimately be decided by how quickly he can adjust to all-new stages and conditions, as Paraguay makes its WRC debut.
“We will do the best we can but we are not really sure what to expect from the event,” he added.
"The setup on the car is going to be a bit of a guess so we will have to wait and see what it feels like.
“I think the Saturday stages will be what we expected, but Friday will be a bit tougher than expected. There is more to think about and they are a bit more tricky with all these jumps and double jumps, and the rocks on the side of the road.
“Shakedown was quite tough for us, I found the conditions very slippery and I didn’t find a brilliant feeling. Hopefully we can find something now before the rally starts to be in a good position because the stages are quite demanding, especially on Friday.”
The 19-stage inaugural Rally Paraguay, which hosts round 10 of the WRC, will begin on Friday at 1203 BST.
Watch WRC on DAZN
Follow all the action of the FIA World Rally Championship LIVE this weekend from Paraguay 29th -31st August. Three days not to be missed! The 2025 World Rally Championship is available through DAZN on its own dedicated app channel, Rally TV. It is available either as a dedicated Rally TV subscription, or as part of your existing DAZN subscription for a small add-on fee.
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Rally TV also broadcasts every rally from the FIA European Rally Championship.
Watch every WRC and ERC rally this year on DAZN's 24-hour dedicated Rally TV channel. For more information on prices, subscriptions and more, click here.
