By Geren Scapens
NEW team principal Jari Matti-Latvala is looking forward for what is to come from Elfyn Evans, after a narrow defeat in Monte-Carlo.
Frenchman Sébastian Ogier continued his very impressive form with a win at the prestigious opening round to take his Monte-Carlo win tally to eight.
Welshman Evans was leading his teammate earlier on in the event but as time progressed, his feel for the car became less fine-tuned.
Despite the deterioration of form during the event, Latvala spoke to WRC and gave his reassurance on Evans bringing his form back through the season.
“If you look at what Elfyn did on round one,” said Latvala, “there were no mistakes. I think he was the only driver who did a rally like this. He was very consistent and very clever in his run.
“He couldn’t get the confidence he needed from the tyre, he understood that and he took the points. For me, that’s a very mature approach. We know he has the speed – we saw this lots of times last year.”
This brings much hope to many of Evans’ fans after watching a performance in one weekend that almost mirrored last seasons title attempt.
Evans, in 2020, tried to be the second non-Frenchman to win the drivers championship since 2003 after Ott Tänak did the year previous.
In the same attempt trying to be the first British driver to win since 2001 and the first Welshman ever.
Latvala continued to talk to WRC, furthering his approach that Evans is a mature driver and will continue to grow further after round one.
“When Séb is in Monte-Carlo, he can be on his own level. Elfyn was clever not to take the big risk and now we will see what’s coming for the rest of the season. But, sure, now I am confident for him.
“I was talking with Gwyndaf [Evans, Elfyn’s father] a little bit. I said it was a huge step what he did last year. He’s feeling very comfortable with the team, he’s very comfortable with the car and you can see that he has everything now. I can see him to be fighting for the championship like he did last year.”
This is praise that can only raise your spirits as a driver. The team principle giving his confidence in you whilst you have a seven-time world-champion as your teammate can only be a drive to go further this season.
It is not just your team principle either. Jari-Matti Latvala is an ex-driver himself who sits tenth in all-time wins in the WRC. Someone who knows what he is doing and knows what he is talking about.
With the Arctic Rally coming up at the end of February, it will be interesting to see how much pace and confidence Evans comes out with after this reassurance from his esteemed team principal.