The Toyota driver scored a first WRC win since Finland in October 2021 after he and co-driver Scott Martin came through to chalk up a comfortable 27.0s victory over M-Sport’s Ott Tanak on Croatia’s asphalt stages.
Evans labelled the win as “insignificant” after he crossed the finish line at the final stage, as the rally community mourns the loss of factory Hyundai driver Breen who died in a crash while preparing for this weekend’s event.
Reflecting on the moment, Evans admitted he was relieved to return to the top step of the podium, but says he is proud by how the rally community has pulled together to pay tribute to Breen, and that his thoughts are now with the Irishman’s family.
“Pretty mixed emotions obviously and it is back to the reality now after being fully focused on the rally weekend,” Evans, who has now won a WRC round on all surfaces, told Autosport.
“It is pretty difficult to know what is the right thing to say. It is had been a tough week for everybody.
“The whole WRC family can be proud of how everyone has come together and paid tribute to Craig. It is a great showing of his character and how liked he was around the service park.
“The competition went on as usual, it is for sure what Craig would have wanted. We went to see the family last week and it was their wish that we made sure to enjoy ourselves. We promised that we would and we are able to do that, but now it is all over our thoughts turn to them now.
“It was definitely important to get this on the board. I’m obviously relieved from that side but it is much more positive start overall this year than last year.”
Source: Autosport