Elfyn Evans was greeted with a surreal, enthusiastic reception as a large crowd gathered in his hometown to mark Britain’s first world rally champion in 25 years.
The newly crowned champion drove his victorious Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 through the closed streets of Dolgellau, where thousands of fans braved the rain to line the route in a special event staged to honour him on Thursday.
Earlier in the day, before reaching the town centre, Evans visited his former school, Ysgol Bro Idris, to meet with students and staff.
The festivities culminated with Evans driving his car onto a central town stage, accompanied by fans and a local choir performing the Welsh national anthem. He then addressed the crowd, greeted fans, signed autographs and demonstrated the GR Yaris.
“I was initially concerned about the weather, which has been challenging, but the crowd stayed until the end,” a grateful Evans said, noting his place alongside Colin McRae and Richard Burns as Britain’s third world rally champion.
“I cannot thank everyone enough for turning up and waiting, and for all those who helped organise the event — the Gwynedd Council, the volunteers, and especially [friend] Glenn Patterson, without whom this would not have happened.”
“It still feels surreal, and I am deeply grateful for everyone who attended. I’m certain this will be one of the defining moments of my life. Having the Rally1 car in the town centre, just outside my father’s Gwyndaf Evans car dealership, is incredible.”
Wales’ First Minister, Rhun ap Iorwerth, was present among the supporters at the celebration.
“Becoming a world champion is no small achievement,” he said. “His consistency and quality over the years have been evident — he came so close many times, and we felt his disappointment repeatedly.”
“I sensed he could achieve it this year, and now we see what this means not only for his local community but for the whole of Wales. He truly is a champion and a hero here.”
Evans and co‑driver Scott Martin secured their first WRC title in what is widely regarded as the most dramatic season finale in championship history, with the outcome decided when rival Oliver Solberg spectacularly crashed two corners from the finish on the final stage in Sardinia.
The incident has gone viral on social media, amassing millions of views, which Evans believes will benefit the sport by attracting a broader audience.
“That script would have been hard to write for a movie, given how the drama unfolded until the very end. It’s amazing for the sport,” he added.
The sport must come out on top, and I hope my performance contributes positively to its future.
Evans has had limited opportunity to fully grasp the scale of his achievement this year, given his packed schedule, which recently included testing Toyota’s 2027 WRC car.
“Life is always busy, whether at home or in the rally world. I’m moving forward and looking ahead to the next challenge,” he said.
