Series of issues hamper Welsh star but he remains second in World Rally Championship.
Rally de Portugal, round five of the FIA World Rally Championship, was a weekend to forget for Elfyn Evans after he struggled with a number of issues across the event.
From the outset he was unable to find an optimum feeling with his Toyota GR Yaris Rally1. This was compounded by challenging conditions from an early position on the road. With the opening main day offering no mid-leg service, he had to battle through with no opportunity to make any significant set-up changes.
Things went from bad to worse in the afternoon. Co-driver Scott Martin misplaced his pacenote book and had to call the notes using his mobile phone. They also picked up a puncture, dropping more time and ending the day in eighth.
Unable to make up any places on pace alone, Saturday was a day of trying some set-up options to find a better feeling with the car, and Elfyn did move up two places to sixth.
The final day was an opportunity to secure some additional championship points, however, a damaged radiator on the penultimate stage forced Elfyn to slow and complete the test in EV mode. Undertaking roadside repairs, they successfully made it to the end of the event but came away with a small number of points.
They still remain second in the championship but are now 24 points adrift of the lead.
Gravel action resumes with Rally Italia Sardegna on 30 May to 2 June.
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