Elfyn Evans has hailed his incredible season as he celebrated a career best World Rally Championship finish.

The Dolgellau-born flier finishing fifth in the season ending Rally Australia – his best result Down Under.

And that sealed his fifth spot in the final championship standings – again the best of his career.

That comes after he became the first Welshman to win a World Rally Championship round after his famous victory in his home forests in November.

Evans also finished runner-up twice – in Argentina and Finland – having returned to the main series this season.

Evans hailed the support of his DMACK team and the M-Sport outfit after rounding off the eason with his 27th stage victory as rain hit Australia on Sunday.

“We knew that we would struggle this weekend, but with the rain we had an opportunity to use the soft tyre,” said Evans, who had battled through the opening two days when the conditions did not suit his tyres.

“It was a more enjoyable day for sure and it was nice to secure a stage win. It was unfortunate that we encountered a few little niggles after that, but all in all not a bad way to finish off the weekend.

“We knew the rally would be tough but we stuck to the plan and came away with a strong fifth overall in both the event and the championship.

“It rounds off an incredible season for us, M-Sport and DMACK and I like to thank them both for the efforts and support this year.”

“The season as a whole has been amazing for the team. We’ve worked with some great people this year who really deserve this success – a big thanks to all of them.”

Evans is posed for a return to the main M-Sport line-up next season after his successful campaign.

The Cumbria-based outfit are losing Ott Tanak which could see Evans partner five-time world champ Sebastien Ogier in 2018 though the Frenchman has yet to decide his future.