Evans leads title chase despite trailing in Sardinia

World Rally Championship leader Elfyn Evans is on course for the title despite facing challenges on the opening day of the decisive Italian round in Sardinia. While Hyundai's Adrien Fourmaux and Thierry Neuville secured victories in the early stages, they led the field at the midday break. Evans, hindered by running first on the rough gravel roads, was in sixth place.

Despite trailing, Evans, who has finished runner-up five times in the last six seasons, holds a 17-point lead over Sami Pajari and a 21-point advantage over Oliver Solberg. All three contenders are vying for their first championship title. The championship concludes this weekend with six stages on Saturday and four on Sunday, offering a total of 35 points to be won. Sebastien Ogier, not in contention for the title, was running fifth.