UMEÅ, SWEDEN — In a display of clinical efficiency that would make a Nordic winter blush, Elfyn Evans has stormed into a commanding lead at Rally Sweden. As the second full day of action concluded on February 14, 2026, the Toyota GAZOO Racing squad achieved the unthinkable: a dominant lockout of the top four positions, leaving their rivals buried in the snowbanks of the Västerbotten forests.
The Morning Charge
The day began with a high-stakes intra-team duel. Having trailed teammate Takamoto Katsuta by a mere 2.8 seconds overnight, Evans wasted no time reclaiming the throne. He blazed through the morning’s opening test to retake the lead, eventually stretching his cushion to over 16 seconds by the midday service.
"We had a much better road position today, and the car feels fantastic," Evans noted at the service park. "But in Sweden, you can never relax. One clip of a snowbank and it’s game over".
Katsuta’s Resilience and Pajari’s Rise
Katsuta, who struggled early in the day with a lack of grip, found his rhythm in the afternoon loop. He managed to fend off a ferocious charge from the WRC’s newest sensation, Sami Pajari, who secured two stage wins (SS12 and SS14) to cement his place on the provisional podium.
Drama in the Snowbanks
While Toyota celebrated, Hyundai Shell Mobis endured a day of "damage limitation." Esapekka Lappi, making a heralded return to the top flight, found himself fighting the car more than the clock, ending the day nearly 46 seconds off the pace. Meanwhile, local hero Oliver Solberg, who had led after Thursday's opening stage, saw his hopes for a home win evaporate earlier in the weekend, now fighting just to keep his Yaris Rally1 inside the top 5.
WRC2: Korhonen Rules the Ranks
In the Rally2 category, Roope Korhonen has been a masterclass in consistency. Leading since the early morning, Korhonen holds a double-digit lead over Teemu Suninen, as the Finnish pair prepare to bring home a Toyota 1-2 in the support category as well.
Rally Sweden Standings (End of Saturday, Feb 14, 2026)
Based on current standings at the end of the second full day of competition:
Pos | Rally1 (Overall) | Car | Time/Gap |
1 | Elfyn Evans | Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 | Leader |
2 | Takamoto Katsuta | Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 | +13.3s |
3 | Sami Pajari | Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 | +25.4s |
4 | Oliver Solberg | Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 | +58.4s |
5 | Esapekka Lappi | Hyundai i20 N Rally1 | +1.09.5s |
Pos | Rally2 (WRC2) | Car | Gap |
1 | Roope Korhonen | Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 | Leader |
2 | Teemu Suninen | Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 | +10.2s |
3 | Lauri Joona | Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 | +25.4s |
4 | Isak Reiersen | Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 | +1m 45.6s |
5 | Mille Johansson | Ford Fiesta Rally2 | +2m 33.6s |
