Elfyn Evans has tied Richard Burns’ record, but can he break it and reach the true pinnacle

Elfyn Evans has long been one of the most consistent and resilient drivers in the World Rally Championship (WRC). His latest achievement—tying Richard Burns’ career win tally—places him among some of Britain’s rallying greats. However, the real question remains: can he surpass Burns’ legacy and finally reach the absolute pinnacle of WRC?

For years, Evans has been the nearly-man of modern rallying—always in contention, always close, but never quite able to capture the ultimate prize: a WRC championship title. While his talent is undeniable, there are still doubts about whether he can take that final step and become Britain’s first WRC champion since Burns in 2001.

In this article, we analyze Evans’ career trajectory, his strengths and weaknesses, and whether he can break through to claim his place among WRC’s elite.

Elfyn Evans’ Journey: From Promising Talent to WRC Contender

Early Career: A Slow but Steady Climb

Elfyn Evans, son of former rally driver Gwyndaf Evans, had a relatively gradual rise through the ranks of rallying. Unlike some WRC stars who burst onto the scene, Evans’ progress was built on steady improvement and relentless hard work.

• 2012-2015: WRC 2 and M-Sport Opportunity

  • Won the WRC Academy Championship in 2012, showcasing his promise.
  • Earned a seat at M-Sport in 2014, where he gained crucial top-level experience.
  • Showed flashes of speed but was dropped by M-Sport after 2015, forcing him to rebuild his career.

• 2016-2017: Career Revival and First WRC Victory

  • Won the WRC 2 title in 2016, proving he deserved another shot at the top tier.
  • He returned to M-Sport’s main team in 2017 alongside Sébastien Ogier and finally took his first WRC victory at Rally GB.

• 2018-2019: Consistency but No Major Breakthrough

  • Struggled to find regular podium finishes.
  • Injuries and bad luck prevented him from making a serious title push.

The Toyota Era: Evans’ Best Chance at Glory

2020-2021: Championship Contender but Heartbreak Follows

When Evans switched to Toyota Gazoo Racing in 2020, his career took a significant leap. He immediately became a title contender, challenging for the WRC crown in both 2020 and 2021.

• 2020: The Title That Slipped Away

  • Evans led the championship heading into the final round at Rally Monza.
  • In a heartbreaking turn, he crashed out in snowy conditions, handing the title to teammate Sébastien Ogier.

• 2021: Another Near Miss

  • Once again, Evans pushed Ogier to the limit but finished second in the championship, missing out by just 23 points.
  • Despite impressive victories in Portugal and Finland, he couldn’t match Ogier’s consistency.

At this stage, Evans had firmly established himself as one of the top drivers in WRC, but questions began to arise:

• Did he lack the killer instinct needed to win a championship?
• Was he too conservative in crucial moments?

2022-2023: Struggles and Resurgence

After Ogier stepped back from full-time competition in 2022, many expected Evans to become Toyota’s number one driver. However, instead of stepping up, he struggled to adapt to the new Rally1 regulations, while Kalle Rovanperä dominated the WRC landscape.

• 2022: Winless and Overshadowed

  • Evans finished a distant fourth in the championship, failing to win a single rally.
  • He lacked pace compared to both Rovanperä and Hyundai’s Ott Tänak.

• 2023: A Return to Form

  • Evans finally bounced back with wins in Finland and Japan, proving he could still challenge at the front.
  • He finishedsecond in the championship behind Rovanperä, marking his third runner-up finish in four years.

At this point, Evans had matched Richard Burns’ career tally of WRC victories, placing him among Britain’s greatest rally drivers. But still—no championship title.

Can Evans Finally Break Through and Win the WRC Title?

With 2024 now underway, Evans faces perhaps his last, best chance to secure a WRC championship. However, several factors will determine whether he can finally reach the true pinnacle of rallying.

Strengths That Could Lead Evans to a Championship

1. Elite-Level Consistency

   • Evans is one of the most consistent drivers in WRC. He rarely crashes, and his ability to collect points across a season keeps him in title contention.
   • This consistency has kept him near the top for years, but he now needs to convert that consistency into a championship-winning campaign.

2. Experience and Maturity

   • At 35, Evans has the experience needed to manage a title fight better than he did in 2020 and 2021.
   • Unlike some younger drivers, he understands how to play the long game across a full season.

3. Toyota’s Dominance

   • Evans drives for the best team in the WRC. Toyota has built the most competitive car in the Rally1 era, and their reliability gives him a strong platform.
   • If Rovanperä focuses on part-time events, Evans could emerge as Toyota’s primary championship contender.

Challenges That Could Prevent Evans from Winning

1. Kalle Rovanperä Is Still the Favorite

   • Despite reducing his 2024 program, Rovanperä remains the most dominant driver in WRC.
   • If he returns full-time in 2025, Evans’ chances could drastically shrink.

2. Lack of a Killer Instinct

   • Evans has been too conservative in key moments, especially when fighting for a title.
   • To win a championship, he needs to take more calculated risks instead of settling for safe podium finishes.

3. Hyundai’s Rising Threat

   • With Ott Tänak back at Hyundai, the Korean team is expected to mount a serious challenge in 2024.
   • If Hyundai produces a car that can match Toyota, Evans may struggle to keep up with Tänak and Thierry Neuville.

Final Verdict: Will Evans Surpass Burns and Reach the Pinnacle?

Evans has already tied Richard Burns’ career win tally, but his place in British rallying history depends on whether he can finally win a championship. While Burns’ title-winning season in 2001 was built on consistency and reliability, Evans has yet to find that perfect season where everything clicks.

Prediction: Can He Win a Championship?

• If Rovanperä remains part-time, Evans has a genuine shot at the 2024 WRC title.
• However, if he fails this season, it’s difficult to see another realistic opportunity in the future.

Legacy: How Will Evans Be Remembered?

• If he wins a championship, he will cement himself as one of Britain’s greatest WRC drivers—surpassing Burns in overall impact.
• If he never wins a title, he will be remembered as one of the best drivers to never be champion, forever in the shadow of Burns and Colin McRae.

2024 is a defining year for Elfyn Evans. Will he finally break through and reach the pinnacle, or will he remain WRC’s eternal runner-up?