Elfyn Evans has secured the World Rally Championship title for the first time, following a dramatic conclusion to the Rally Italia Sardegna where rival Oliver Solberg crashed on the final stage.
The 37-year-old Welsh driver, who had finished as runner-up five times previously, entered the final round in Sardinia holding a 21-point advantage. By the time the last of 17 stages began, that margin had been reduced to a single point, setting up a tense finale.
Solberg, 25, needed only to finish ahead of Evans in the decisive stage to secure the championship through bonus points. However, with less than 100 metres remaining on the asphalt, the Swede lost control and crashed into a barrier, ending his title hopes.
“It hasn’t sunk in,” said a stunned Evans, the first driver from Wales to win the championship. “I was sure it was over. I feel for Oliver; he had an incredible weekend. I don’t know what to say.”
Evans becomes only the third British man to claim the WRC crown, joining Colin McRae (1997) and Richard Burns (2001). Solberg, whose father Petter won the title in 2003, went on to win the rally itself, finishing nearly a minute clear of nine-time world champion Sebastien Ogier.
The crash meant Solberg ended the season five points behind Evans, while team-mate Sami Pajari sat a further point back in third, his own championship challenge also ending on the final weekend.
In the aftermath, Solberg remained inconsolable in his car. He was eventually coaxed onto the podium by Gazoo Racing team principal Jari-Matti Latvala and teammate Ogier.
Evans added: “It’s surreal with how it happened. It’s a relief. It wouldn’t be my proudest way of winning it, but it’s job done.”
Toyota sporting director Kaj Lindstrom described the finish as the “hardest thing,” acknowledging the intense battle that held until the very end. “Oliver still has time, but Elfyn finally got his title, so we’re really happy for him,” he said.
The final drivers’ standings see Evans top the table with 243 points, followed by Solberg on 238 and Pajari on 237.
Evans wins but admits it isn’t his proudest moment. Sport can be cruel sometimes, but what a season it has been.
Is this really how it ended? I thought I’d misread the standings. Pure shock and awe from Rally Italia Sardegna.
That crash at 100 metres must have been devastating for Solberg. Truly heartbreaking moment for the young driver.
What a dramatic finish! Evans finally gets the gold after so many years. Well done to him.