Toyota’s Tarmac Blitz:
Croatia Rally Day One
Friday Report: Taming the Tarmac
Evans in Control
Elfyn Evans ends Day One with a 12.4s advantage. His choice of soft-compound tires for the morning loop proved the winning strategy.
Aero Dominance
The 2026 aero-kit on the Yaris allowed for higher mid-corner speeds, crucial for the technical sections of the Stojdraga stage.
Weather Resilience
Intermittent light rain in the afternoon saw Hyundai and M-Sport struggle with setup, while Toyota’s suspension held firm.
The Croatian Puzzle
The WRC Croatia Rally is famous for its **high-speed jumps** and incredibly abrasive surface that can change from high-grip to ice-slick in a single corner. Toyota Gazoo Racing’s success today was a combination of Elfyn Evans’ clinical driving and the team’s meticulous tire management.
Hyundai’s **Thierry Neuville** remains within striking distance in second place, despite a minor overshoot in SS4. Meanwhile, the M-Sport Ford Puma of Adrien Fourmaux suffered from a late puncture, dropping him nearly a minute off the lead pace.
Driver’s Comment:
“The car feels like it’s on rails. We had to be brave through the muddy cuts, but the balance is exactly where I need it for tomorrow’s long stages.” — Elfyn Evans
Top 5 Standings (Day 1)
April 2026 Croatia Rally:
| Pos | Driver | Team | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | E. Evans | Toyota | — |
| 2 | T. Neuville | Hyundai | +12.4s |
| 3 | S. Ogier | Toyota | +18.9s |
| 4 | O. Tänak | Hyundai | +31.2s |
| 5 | T. Katsuta | Toyota | +54.7s |
Stay in the Dust
Tomorrow features the longest stage of the rally. Sign up for live split updates and on-board camera views as Toyota fights to maintain the lead.