World champion Evans hesitates: finally the start number ‘1’ or the ‘33’ after all

Five-time runner-up, five times narrowly missing out on the big prize. Now Elfyn Evans has finally done it: alongside co-driver Scott Martin, the Welshman was crowned 2026 World Rally Champion at the Rally Sardinia. But whilst the thrill of winning the title is still fresh, the next decision is already on the cards. Which start number will adorn the Toyota duo’s works car in 2027?

The answer is surprisingly open. Evans and Martin are by no means in agreement.

Elfyn Evans und Scott Martin: Die Rallye-Weltmeister 2026

Foto: Red Bull

Strictly speaking, the matter is straightforward: the reigning world champion traditionally drives with start number 1 the following season. Sébastien Ogier and Vincent Landais also competed in their Toyota with this number in 2026, having secured the world title in 2025.

But Evans is reluctant to give up his long-standing number. “We’re still discussing the decision,” the 37-year-old explained in an interview with our colleague Reiner Kuhn. “I’d actually prefer the 33, but Scott is more taken with the number 1. We still need to sort this out between ourselves.”

Bisherige Startnummer von Elfyn Evans in der Rallye-WM: Die «33»

Foto: Red Bull

The reason for Evans’ hesitation is understandable: the number 33 has long been more than just a number on the car door. It is his trademark – and part of his motorsport identity. “Over the years, my start number has become a sort of identity for me. Why should the title change that?” the Welshman explained.

There is more to this unusual preference than mere habit. If you rotate the 33 by 180 degrees, it reads “EE” – the initials of Elfyn Evans. The number therefore not only matches his name but is also closely linked to his career.

Auf Fahrt zur Weltmeisterschaft: Der Toyota mit der Startnummer «33»

Foto: Red Bull

A switch to number 1 would be the fitting crowning glory of his first World Championship title. At the same time, however, Evans would have to give up a distinguishing mark that has accompanied him for years.

Kalle Rovanperä, World Rally Champion in 2022 and 2023, also passed up the prestigious number 1 and continued to race with his 69. This is not unusual, now that the champion has a choice.

Motorcycle legend Valentino Rossi provides a similar example: his number 46 became one of the most recognisable start numbers in motorsport. Rossi made it his personal trademark and went on to win nine world championship titles in various motorcycle classes with it.

Elfyn Evans mit 33er-Cap

Foto: Red Bull

Whilst the start number is still a talking point, preparations for the 2027 season are well under way. Following an initial familiarisation session in the spring and further tests in the summer, Evans was behind the wheel of the new Toyota test car in Portugal last week, built to the future WRC27 regulations. With the change in regulations, the World Rally Championship is on the cusp of a new technical era.

Before that, however, the newly crowned world champion has a special event to look forward to: his historic triumph will be celebrated in his Welsh hometown of Dolgellau. Only one thing is clear: world champions Evans and Martin will be focusing on the celebrations. A decision on their future start number, however, is unlikely to be too long in coming.