By Gareth James
Elfyn Evans’ chances of becoming Wales’ first World Rally Champ have been boosted after next month’s penultimate round in Belgium was cancelled.
Organisers of the Ypres Rally Belgium (19-22 November) took the decision on Friday due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the country.
Evans will now take a 14 point lead over Toyota Gazoo Racing team-mate Sebastien Ogier into the final round in Monza in December.
But there must be question marks over whether Monza – which was only added to the calendar earlier this month due to the fears for Belgium – will also go ahead.
Evans, who has won two rallies this season, would be crowned champ if he finished second in Monza even if six-time world beater Ogier won the event.
Third-placed Thierry Neuville and defending champ Ott Tanak also, in theory, are still in contention but it looks set to be a battle of the Toyotas.
“We have always fully supported Renties Ypres Rally Belgium, but this time we can’t let the rally go on,” said Emmily Talpe, Mayor of the City of Ypres.
“We took this decision in close consultation with Governor of West Flanders, Carl Decaluwé, and the mayors of the other municipalities.”
🏴 🇬🇧 @ElfynEvans #WRC
how it started how it's going pic.twitter.com/OPwLRftHEA
— World Rally Championship (@OfficialWRC) October 29, 2020
Jan Huyghe from Club Superstage, who were organising the event, said he backed the decision to cancel the rally due to the COVID-19 situation and pressure on local hospitals.
“At the moment, the health of the population, of the staff in the care sector, of our employees and volunteers, of the participants and of all rally fans comes first,” he said.
“We have followed up the health crisis in close consultation with the local authorities. Unfortunately, the figures continued to rise dramatically. The Ypres Rally has been at the forefront of safety in Europe for years. This time, health is also on the rise.”
Speaking earlier this month, Evans said he would accept being crowned champ if the season was cut short.
“The championship has been played to this point and whoever is on top at that time is the champion,” the 31-year-old from Dolgellau said.
“It’s not normal circumstances, but everybody’s had the same opportunity.
“I wasn’t surprised or even that disappointed when I heard the news of Monza. I wasn’t surprised because I expected it.
“We knew this was going to be a possibility. We knew the championship and the year was wide open when you are faced with cancellations and additions.
“We knew this when we left México [in March] – the rest of the year was always going to be uncertain.”