Evans extends WRC lead despite sixth in Estonia

Elfyn Evans extended his lead in his bid for a first World Rally Championship (WRC) title despite finishing sixth at Delfi Rally Estonia.

Sami Pajari’s maiden win alongside co-driver and Finland compatriot Marko Salminen helped him rise to third in the rankings.

Welshman Evans and partner Scott Martin finished just over two minutes behind Pajari on Sunday after the 18 stages that began on Friday.

Japan hope Takamoto Katsuta’s held onto second in the title race after a 21st-place finish, but Evans gained eight points to establish a 15-point lead over his nearest challenger with Pajari ending the event third overall.

Sweden’s Oliver Sojberg and British co-driver Elliott Edmondson took second in Estonia with Adran Formaux (France), Thierry Neuville (Belgium) and Sebastien Ogier (France) third, fourth and fifth respectively.

Motorsport Ireland’s Jon Armstrong was ninth, but after taking a best-ever fourth in Greece in the last round, fellow countryman Josh McErlean ended the Estonia event 43rd.

The teams will now prepare for the remaining five rallies, starting in Finland from 30 July-2 August, that will decide the 2026 winner.

WRC overall top five as it stands

• 1 Elfyn Evans 177 points
• 2 Takamoto Katsua 152
• 3 Sami Pajari 144
• 4 Sebastien Ogier 139
• 5 Oliver Solberg 130