Was Evans Rally Sweden’s penalty fair? – DirtFish
Elfyn Evans does not think that his 10-second penalty in last weekend’s Rally Sweden was “completely correct” while rival Thierry Neuville does not think it was hard enough.
On Saturday’s final stage, Evans’ Toyota GR GR Yaris Rally1 flew through the last curve and then through a snow bank at the exit before the flying finish line.
His car stopped on the other side of the lighting rig on stage and he triggered the timing beam from the specified route to set the second fastest time. He then drove outside the perimeter of the stage to the stop control.
This was a completely crazy way to end a stage – Elfyn pressed a little too hard!
🎥 @cronistaderally
pic.twitter.com/vxA4du3Aep– Colin Clark (@voiceofrally) February 26, 2022
Not returning to the defined route to get to that point did not suit the race leaders. It was considered a violation of Article 19 (2) of the WRC’s sports regulations because Evans and co-driver Scott Martin deviated from the designated rally route according to the event’s roadbook.
Asked about the punishment in Sunday morning’s service, Neuville – who at the time was only three seconds behind Evans’ second – – said: “First of all, I’m surprised he only got a 10-second sentence because he definitely had a lot of violations.
“He did not cross the finish line, he did not cross between the fours either so I was a little surprised, I expected more but it is as it is.”