Revamped Points System Ignites Hope for Elfyn Evans in 2025 WRC

Elfyn Evans, a seasoned driver with four runner-up finishes in the World Rally Championship (WRC), is eager for the upcoming 2025 season, which promises an altered points system. This change, designed to restore the significance of winning rallies, is a welcome revival for Evans, who has consistently finished near the top but has yet to seize the championship title.

Changes in Points Structure

Starting in 2025, the points awarded at the end of the rallies will be revamped. The new system eliminates Saturday points, which previously awarded significant points to those leading after the second day, and now rewards points solely based on the final standings of the rally. Under the revamped rules:

• Overall Points: 25 points for 1st place down to 1 point for 25th.
• Sunday Points: Reduced from a scale of 7-1 for the top seven to a more streamlined 5-1 for the top five drivers.
• Power Stage Bonuses: These will remain in place, ensuring that maximum possible points reach a total of 35.

Evans shares, "It's definitely brought back the value of a win, which I think was really important because I think that was lost last year." This new system not only rewards outright victories more generously but also provides a safety net for those who might have an off day, keeping the competitive spirit alive throughout the event.

Hopes for Monte Carlo

The season kicks off at the legendary Rallye Monte-Carlo from January 23-26, a venue where Evans has come tantalizingly close to victory in previous years. "I think Monte Carlo is one of, if not the most famous event on the WRC calendar, and naturally everybody wants their name on the trophy," he states earnestly. Evans aims to launch this season with a bold performance, hoping to transform his previous near-misses at Monte Carlo into a well-deserved win.

Team Dynamics and Goals

Reuniting with his Toyota Gazoo Racing teammates, including the talented 2022 and 2023 champion Kalle Rovanpera, adds an exciting layer to Evans's aspirations. With a robust lineup within the team, Evans believes they are poised for a competitive season. "The team will be strong this year. We've got a selection of five very good drivers within the team, but naturally my personal goals don't really change whatever Kal is doing," he remarked.

Reflection on 2024

Looking back at 2024, which was marked by frustration for the Welsh driver, Evans acknowledges, "Naturally, when that doesn't happen, it's frustrating." Despite his disappointment, he finished the previous season on a high note, clinching victory at the final event in Japan. As he reflects on his goals for the upcoming campaign, he is determined to capitalize on this momentum.

As the WRC gears up for an exciting 2025 season with an expanded 14-event calendar, including new additions like the Rally Islas Canarias and Rally Saudi Arabia, fans are eager to see whether Evans can finally snag that elusive title. With renewed hope and a strengthened points system, 2025 could be the year that changes everything for Elfyn Evans.