Elfyn Evans, a five-time runner-up in the World Rally Championship, crashed out of the lead on day one of Rally Croatia. After dominating the first two stages, Evans encountered trouble on the third stage, overshooting a right-hander and getting stuck in thick foliage. He was heard expressing confusion regarding the pace notes provided by his co-driver, Scott Martin. This unfortunate turn of events allowed fellow Toyota driver Sami Pajari to take the lead. Earlier in the rally, Evans' teammate Oliver Solberg crashed out after hitting a bank, complicating the title race for Evans, who was looking to extend his lead over Solberg, who started the event just eight points behind him. Additionally, Irish driver Jon Armstrong from M-Sport Ford also retired after colliding with a concrete kerb during stage four.