Welshman Elfyn Evans claims WRC title in dramatic fashion after crash

Elfyn Evans is the World Rally champion – at last. The 37-year-old from Dolgellau finally took the crown after a hugely dramatic final race of the season in Sardinia. Evans has finished runner-up in the championship in five of the last six years. And despite taking a commanding lead into the final event of the season in Italy, he looked set to miss out again when Oliver Solberg launched a stunning last-ditch challenge.

His fightback meant the destination of the title came down to the final stage of an action-paced season, with Solberg’s momentum seemingly carrying him to the trophy. But with just a few hundred metres to go on the final section, the Swede sensationally crashed on the penultimate corner, handing Evans and co-driver Scott Martin the crown they had waited so long for, He becomes Britain’s first rally world champion sine Richard Burns 25 years ago.

“It wouldn’t by my proudest way of winning it, but it’s job done,” said Evans. “It hasn’t sunk in. I was sure it was over. I didn’t drive the best stage but threw everything at it but it wasn’t clean. “I feel for Oliver. He had an incredible weekend. “I’m sorry for him to lose it, but I’ve a lot of people to thanks over the year. “Scotty did an incredible job. I don’t know what to say.” Martin added: “I can’t believe it.

I feel for Oliver and Elliott (Edmondson, co-driver). “They pushed so hard but we did everything we could. It’s hard to sum up. I’ve a lot of people to thank. “The journey I’ve been on, there’s a lot of people with us and a lot of people looking down on us.” Solberg, who was also chasing his maiden title, told Rally TV: “First congratulations to Elfyn. He has been very consistent all season. That I even had a shot after my rollercoaster of a season is incredible.

“I tried everything. I knew I was pushing but didn’t know if it was enough. “I pushed even more and I couldn’t save the car. I tried my very best. “When you are so close, I maybe didn’t believe it at the beginning of the weekend but you believe more and more. I tried. “Hopefully I have a few more years to try again.”