Final 12 months’s championship runner-up was pressured to sit down out December’s FIA prize giving in Baku after injuring his ribs when he got here off his bike within the days previous to the ceremony. In consequence, Evans missed out on some working in Finland final month whereas he accomplished his restoration.
“I’m sorry I can’t attend the FIA prize giving in Baku tonight and have fun the top of the 2023 season,” learn an announcement issued by Evans on social media final month. “Sadly, I got here off my bike some days in the past and injured my ribs and have been suggested to not fly. I hope everybody has a very good evening particularly my TGR team-mates who’re gathering fairly a number of awards tonight.”
The Welshman is nonetheless set to return to the wheel of his GR Yaris and can be part of up with the world championship-winning squad for subsequent week’s check forward of the season opener in Monte Carlo from 25-28 January.
“We haven’t made any adjustments to the [test] schedule,” stated Toyota staff principal Jari-Matti Latvala when talking with WRC.com.
“The plan is identical, Elfyn will check with the remainder of the drivers. He did miss some driving in Finland final month, however this was extra of a possibility for the drivers to get some early Sweden working in after we had good circumstances in Finland.
Photograph by: Toyota Racing
Toyota GR Yaris Rally1
“I don’t suppose he missed a lot. Taka [Katsuta] was ready to make use of his day, so we nonetheless acquired a while with the automotive. Now Elfyn can come again to the pre-event check and ensure he’s prepared for the beginning of the season.”
After lacking out on the 2023 title to team-mate Kalle Rovanpera, Evans, who matched Rovanpera’s win tally throughout final 12 months’s marketing campaign, is predicted to be among the many favourites for the 2024 championship along with his bid additional boosted by Rovanpera’s resolution to solely contest a partial marketing campaign.
Toyota is predicted to area three Rally1 entries for Monte Carlo, with Evans joined by Takamoto Katsuta and document Monte Carlo winner Sebastien Ogier.