Elfyn Evans powered his way into the history books with a spectacular victory on the Wales Rally GB.

The Dolgellau-born driver became the first Welshman to win a World Rally Championship event outright.

Evans also became the first Brit to win their home round since the late Richard Burns in 2000.

The 28-year-old had been cheered on by thousands of fans in the North Wales forests as he came through Sunday’s five special stages.

Evans won by 37.2seconds from Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville with Sebasiten Ogier’s third place clinching a fifth World Championship in a row for the Frenchman.

He had dominated the rally on Friday and Saturday racking up a succession of stage wins in his M-Sport Fiesta with the DMACK tyres especially prepared for the event.

Along with co-driver Daniel Barritt, Evans had narrowly missed out on his maiden win in Argentina earlier this year when he was beaten by just 0.7secs by Neuville.

And it capped an incredible return to the WRC this season for Evans who did not contest his home rally last year having dropped down to the WRC2 series.

Evans joins British legends Roger Clark, Colin McRae and Richard Burns as the fourth homegrown hero to inscribe his name on the hallowed Peall Trophy.

“It’s been a good rally,” said Evans. “I’m incredibly grateful to everybody that has stood by me through all these years – to get to this point has taken a lot.

“To all the people who have supported me and backed me – this is for you! And this result only makes us even hungrier for more!”