Evans pipped by Ogier in Saudi

DOLGELLAU’S Elfyn Evans narrowly missed the chance to be crowned FIA World Rally Championship after being edged out by Sébastien Ogier

- 

Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team driver Ogier won a record-equalling ninth FIA World Rally Championship title after he and co-driver Vincent Landais prevailed in a dramatic final-day decider at Rally Saudi Arabia.

Ogier went head-to-head with teammates Evans and Kalle Rovanpera to be crowned world champion at the brand-new season-ending event, which proved incredibly demanding with its combination of soft and sandy desert tracks and rough and rocky mountain roads as well as high temperatures.

A significant road cleaning effect on the loose surface meant the trio were unusually not a factor in the fight for the rally win, and they would also be among the drivers to lose time from the high risk of punctures on the abrasive stages.

Evans had led the standings by three points over Ogier coming into the event, but had to stop and change a tyre on Friday morning, conceding 1m40s. However, Ogier also dropped time with a loss of tyre pressure in the afternoon, and was just two positions ahead of Evans and thus effectively one point in front going into the final day, when 10 bonus points were additionally on offer for the fastest drivers across the day and the rally-ending Power Stage.

Just 0.1s separated Ogier and Evans in the morning's opening stage but the subsequent and penultimate Asfan test - the longest of the rally at 33.28km - would prove pivotal.