WRC leader Evans wins in Japan, but gravel rallies could complicate title fight

Toyota driver Elfyn Evans secured a convincing victory at Japan's WRC round, his second win this season. However, pessimism surrounds Evans' camp – the upcoming gravel rallies, where as championship leader he must start first, could make the title fight difficult.

Toyota driver Elfyn Evans was crowned winner at Japan's WRC round, adding his second stage victory of the season. The Welsh driver showed strong pace in Japan, but the joy was short-lived – the upcoming schedule is causing concern for Evans' team.

Gravel rallies present unique conditions in the WRC, where the driver starting first cleans the surface of rocks and loose soil, giving subsequent competitors a significant advantage. Since Evans currently leads the championship standings, he is required to start first at each upcoming gravel round.

This means that several of the remaining seven rounds put Evans in a position where stage victories are difficult to achieve. The WRC title fight is tight this season, and every point lost could make a significant difference in the overall standings. Evans' camp has expressed concerns in a worried tone, questioning whether the Japan victory was the last major triumph before the season's end.