World Rally Championship: Elfin Evans extends title lead despite sixth place in Estonia

Elfin Evans extended his bid for a maiden World Rally Championship (WRC) title despite finishing sixth at Delphi Rally Estonia.

Sami Pazari’s first win with co-driver and Finnish compatriot Marko Salminen helped him move up to third in the rankings.

Welshman Evans and partner Scott Martin finished just two minutes behind Priest on Sunday after 18 stages that started on Friday.

Japan hopes Takamoto Katsuta is second in the title standings after finishing 21st, but Evans has gained eight points to establish a 15-point lead over his nearest rival.

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

Motorsport Ireland’s John Armstrong was ninth, but after finishing an all-time best fourth in Greece at the last round, fellow Estonian Josh McKerlane finished the event 43rd.

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