Why Toyota believes Rovanpera’s WRC return will benefit Evans 

Toyota expects Kalle Rovanpera’s return to a full-time World Rally Championship drive will make team-mate Elfyn Evans “much stronger” this year. 

The Japanese squad is gearing up to begin a tilt at both the drivers’ and manufacturers’ titles next week in Monte Carlo, with an expanded line-up that features four full-time drivers and a partial campaign for eight-time world champion Sebastien Ogier. 

Among its full-time roster is two-time world champion Rovanpera, who is eyeing a third world crown in 2025 after opting to undertake a partial campaign last year. The Finn will be joined by Evans – last year’s title runner-up – Takamoto Katsuta and Sami Pajari. 

In contrast, Toyota fielded only two full-time drivers last year in the form of Evans and Katsuta, with Rovanpera and Ogier supporting in part-time roles. It meant there was more pressure on Evans to deliver championship points from the 13 rounds. 

Reflecting on Rovanpera’s full-time return and the decision to expand Toyota’s driver roster, team principal Jari-Matti Latvala is convinced the strength in numbers will benefit Evans in his quest for a maiden world title.

“When we went with two full-time drivers we knew it was going to be a bit more of a tricky season, and it was,” said Latvala.

“Eventually we had to ask Sebastien to drive more events, which he was willing to do. For 2025, the plan was to have three drivers full-time but now we have four full-time.

“Also I think for Elfyn when there is another driver fighting for the title it is good as it means he doesn’t have the pressure on his shoulders [from a manufacturers’ championship point of view] as he is not alone. 

“It is a little bit hard for him but with Kalle there I think Elfyn can be much stronger in 2025. I think he can be back in the fight for the championship.”

When asked whether an expanded Toyota line-up could help his 2025 campaign, the four-time WRC runner-up told Motorsport.com: “There is strength in numbers, I think it is a pretty strong line-up.

“At the end of the day the two things go hand in hand. I want the points, the team wants the points and ultimately the better job you do for yourself the team benefits, and we have always gone with that mentality since the beginning in 2020. 

“I just have to focus on doing the best job I can. I don’t really need to worry about anything else.”   

Elfyn Evans, Scott Martin, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1

Photo by: Toyota Racing

Evans stepped up his preparations for Monte Carlo by completing a pre-event test in France, driving a GR Yaris without hybrid power for the first time, while also running the new-for-2025 Hankook tyres. 

“We know with the introduction of Hankook for 2025 and of course the technical regulations [no hybrid] as well mean that we’ll probably have a bit of adaptation to do on all surfaces, and a bit of learning do with the new tyre, but it is the same for everyone,” said Evans after his test. 

“For Monte Carlo, we have the biggest choice of tyres available and of course with very limited testing we have nowadays it is very difficult to try those tyres in all different conditions.

“We had rainy conditions [on the test] so we will have that experience but it is hard to get the full picture.

“Monte as we know is extremely challenging and adapting to the conditions is basically the key to making the right tyre calls at the right time, and of course staying out of trouble.

“We know how difficult and how easy it is to make even a small mistake that can completely ruin your weekend. It is easier said than done, but we still have to go there and give it our best shot.”