The team principal of Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT, Jari-Matti Latvala, wants Elfyn Evans to deliver good results for his self-confidence after the last one not having the season he wanted.
The Welshman was one of the title contenders in 2021, but his 2022 season was not good as he has three DNFs, one restart under the regulations of Rally2, two finishes outside the top ten and no victory. In fact, his record winning at least one rally per season is very close to break as he has not won an event yet in 2022 with two rallies remaining for the finale.
"The beginning of the season was very difficult for Elfyn and then he stepped up and he started to be in a good rhythm from after he finished in Croatia", Latvala said.
"After that, it sort of helped and then in Portugal he did a very good performance.
"But yeah, the season hasn’t been the most kind for him to be fair.
"He has been unlucky, and it’s then been difficult to build up the good self-confidence and I’m sure there’s been a bit of acting.
"He had a good chance again in New Zealand, was really good speed.
"But unfortunately he had this one impact which damaged the rollcage and then couldn’t finish the rally.
"I know the hunger is there, the hunger to win is definitely there, and I think he hasn’t changed the approach on that side.
"But probably the self-confidence is a bit, it’s not on the same level where it was maybe last year.
"So that’s what I basically hope between now and the last two events if we could have a good solid podium finishes, that would be good for the end of season and 2023".
Source: DirtFish.com
Photo Credits: Toyota
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