Elfyn Evans has asserted his authority on the frozen stages of the WRC, moving into a prime position to secure a massive win at Rally Sweden. The Welshman began the second full day with a small deficit but quickly found the rhythm needed to leapfrog his teammate. His performance highlights the incredible technical setup of the Toyota squad in these specialist conditions.
Elfyn Evans Moves Ahead in Morning Charge
The momentum shifted during the opening test of the morning when Evans delivered a blistering time on the Vännäs stage. He managed to outpace the overnight leader by over seven seconds in a single run. This clinical display of driving allowed him to seize a lead that he would not relinquish for the rest of the day.
Takamoto Katsuta Struggles with Grip Levels
While the lead car seemed to find traction with ease, the chasing Toyota of Takamoto Katsuta faced mysterious handling issues as the day progressed. The Japanese driver admitted to a lack of feeling through the steering wheel. He struggled to maintain the same pace as the morning sessions despite pushing his limits on the ice.
Sami Pajari Secures Toyota Podium Lockout
The dominance of the Japanese manufacturer was further cemented by the rising star Sami Pajari who remains comfortably in third place. Pajari showed maturity beyond his years by claiming two stage wins during the afternoon loop. His steady approach has kept him clear of the intense battle unfolding further down the leaderboard.
Challenging Times for Hyundai Motorsport Rivals
It was a difficult day for the Hyundai team as they struggled to match the raw speed of their main rivals on the snow. Esapekka Lappi ended the day in fifth position but sits over a minute behind the leader. Thierry Neuville managed a stage win late in the day but remains frustrated by the overall car balance.
M Sport Ford Shows Flashes of Brilliance
The Ford Puma Rally1 proved it still has the pace to compete at the very top thanks to a stunning run by Martins Sesks. He claimed a stage win on Saturday morning by beating the championship leader in a direct fight. This performance gave the M Sport team a much needed boost during a high pressure weekend of racing.
Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 Engine and Power Specs
The Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 features a 1.6 liter turbocharged engine paired with a 100kW hybrid motor. This setup produces over 500 horsepower and 600Nm of torque when the hybrid boost is active. Such immense power allows the car to reach 100kmh in less than four seconds even on the loose snow surfaces.
Summary of the Rally Sweden Standings
As the crews prepare for the final day of action, Evans holds a lead of 13.3 seconds over his nearest rival. The final three stages will determine if he can hold onto the top spot under immense pressure. With three Toyota cars currently occupying the podium spots, the team is on track for a historic result.
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Source: WRC
