Elfyn Evans crowned world champion in Sardinia thriller

DOLGELLAU rally star Elfyn Evans has been crowned the 2026 World Rally Champion after one of the most dramatic title deciders in the sport's history on Rally Italy Sardinia.

The Toyota driver, alongside co-driver Scott Martin, arrived at the season finale holding a 21-point advantage over Oliver Solberg. However, running first on the road left Evans at a disadvantage on Sardinia's loose gravel stages and allowed his Swedish rival to mount a remarkable title challenge.

While Solberg overcame a Friday puncture to stay in contention before producing a superb charge into the lead on Saturday, Evans was forced onto the defensive. Struggling to match the pace from his road position, the Dolgellau ace ended Saturday fifth overall and facing an anxious final day.

The championship battle came down to a winner-takes-all Power Stage showdown. Solberg steadily chipped away at Evans' advantage on Sunday, reducing the gap to a single point after Evans lost valuable Super Sunday points when a front-right puncture forced him to stop and change a tyre on the penultimate stage.

With Solberg leading the rally and on course to claim the title on countback if the pair finished level on points, Evans knew he had to deliver something special on the final test of the season.

The Welshman threw everything at the decisive stage but feared it would not be enough as Solberg held the upper hand on the split times. Then, in a stunning twist just two corners from the finish, Solberg ran off the road, handing Evans the world title in extraordinary circumstances.

"It has not sunk in just yet," said Evans. "I was quite sure it was over. I threw everything at it. I feel for Oliver."

The result makes Evans Britain's first World Rally Champion since Richard Burns in 2001 and caps a career-defining season for the Dolgellau driver.

Despite the heartbreak, Solberg recovered to complete the stage and secure his third rally victory of the year, finishing 57.6 seconds ahead of outgoing champion Sebastien Ogier. Sami Pajari claimed third place overall, followed by Adrien Fourmaux, with newly crowned world champion Evans fifth.