By Paul Evans
Elfyn Evans is aiming to end the 2018 FIA World Rally Championship on a high at next weekend’s Rally Australia, as the Dolgellau driver prepares to play the team game once again and do what he can to help Sébastien Ogier and M-Sport Ford win the drivers’ and manufacturers’ titles.
Ogier, the reigning and five-time World Rally Champion, heads to Oz leading the drivers’ standings, just three points ahead of Thierry Neuville (Hyundai), with Ott Tänak (Toyota) third and still in with an outside chance of stealing the title.
Evans has already helped Ogier this season, and he has the speed and ability to put himself between the title challengers in his EcoBoost-powered Fiesta WRC. And if he does that, and it’s the difference between Ogier winning a sixth title or not, he’ll be the undisputed unsung hero of the M-Sport Ford squad.
Co-driven by Dan Barritt, Evans has contested Rally Australia three times, scoring a career best fifth last year. He’s on a run of good form too, with Australia a gravel event he really enjoys.
“I’ve always enjoyed Rally Australia and we’ll be aiming to bring our season to a close with another strong result next week,” says Evans. “Following our podium in Spain, it would be great to end the year with another personal best in Australia.
“There’s a friendly and relaxed atmosphere at this event and we’re made to feel welcome from the second we arrive in Coffs Harbour. But the event itself is a real challenge and totally different from anything else we encounter throughout the year.
“Visibility is often an issue and you have to have complete trust in your notes. Hanging dust isn’t uncommon and when the sun is low it can create a strobe effect through the trees that makes it difficult to read the road. The trees themselves also cast unfamiliar shadows and you really do need to be fully focused and concentrated throughout the weekend.
“I can’t remember a more exciting time in the sport and I think everyone is excited to see what happens next week – ourselves included. We’re ready to give our best and will work hard to deliver the best possible result for the team.”
Based in the New South Wales coastal town of Coffs Harbour, this year’s Rally Australia begins with a ceremonial start on Thursday (15 November), before action gets underway the next day with two loops of three stages through the local rainforests. Saturday (17 November) is the longest day, while a shorter Sunday completes the 24 stage route, which covers almost 200 stage miles. The finish podium will be located in Coffs Harbour city centre, where the Rally Australia winners and 2018 FIA World Rally Champions will be crowned next Sunday afternoon.
There is then just one thing left in the 2018 WRC diary, as Evans and his WRC rivals swap their racing suits for black ties and dinner jackets and head to the WRC Gala Night, which will be held at the Museum of Contemporary Art, in Sydney’s famous Rocks area, on the Monday night (19 November).