Evans extends WRC lead with victory in Japan

Evans extends WRC lead with victory in JapanImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Elfyn Evans victory in Japan was his second of the season and the Toyota Gazoo Racing driver’s 50th WRC podiumBySteve JamesBBC Sport WalesPublished3 minutes agoElfyn Evans claimed a third win in four years at Rally Japan to extend his lead in the World Rally Championship (WRC).At the halfway point of the 14-race serie,s the Welshman’s advantage over Toyota team-mate Takamoto Katsuta has grown from 12 points to 20.Evans, 37, grabbed the lead in Japan with an impressive drive on Friday’s iconic stage-two run through Isegami’s Tunnel, and remained in control of the rally over the remaining 18 stages.He finished 12.8 seconds ahead of nine-time world champion Sebastien Ogier, with Sami Pajari 51.4secs back in third. Katsuta, with Irish co-driver Aaron Johnston, completed a Toyota 1-2-3-4 in their home race.”What a great weekend, amazing car again on tarmac,” reported Evans, who played down the significance of his growing championship lead.”Not sure, a long way to go and too early to talk about that,” he added. “We have to just enjoy this one.”Jon Armstrong added four points to his championship tally with eighth place, while Motorsport Ireland and M-Sport Ford team-mate Josh McErlean finished 10th, collecting one point.Evans faces gravel conundrum in world title bid