By Paul Evans
After a pretty torrid season so far in the FIA World Rally Championship, winning his home Dayinsure Wales Rally GB for a second time in a row would be the perfect tonic for Elfyn Evans – although, by his own admission, it’s not going to be easy.
Twelve months ago, Evans was the coolest man in Wales as he guided his M-Sport Ford Fiesta WRC to a comfortable maiden WRC victory.
2018 promised so much. As team-mate to five-time world champion Sébastien Ogier, Evans relished the chance to compare himself directly with the world’s best in the same car. And he has – except it’s usually been under Rally 2 comeback rules, after early punctures, problems and mishaps have ruined any chance of victory.
Co-driven by Dan Barritt, only a second place at Rally Portugal has been a true indication of his speed behind the wheel.
Another home win would go a long way to smoothing out a rocky season, but Evans hasn’t the DMACK tyre advantage he had in 2017 and he’s now on Michelins, the same tyre as all his rivals.
And whilst Evans has home pride to drive for, the in-form trio of Thierry Neuville/Nicolas Gilsoul (Hyundai), Ott Tänak/Martin Järveoja (Toyota) and Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia (M-Sport Ford) are embroiled in a close fight for the world title. Who wins Wales Rally GB will play a significant role in the destiny of that title, while Evans can drive with nothing to lose.
“Competing at home always brings special motivation,” said Evans. “We have some of the best stages in the world in Wales, and when you see all the Welsh flags and fans cheering you on you can’t help but feel a real sense of pride.
“The win last year is something that we will never forget. There’s always something special about that first victory, but doing it on home soil with all of our family and friends there was really special and something we definitely want to replicate again this year.
“The aim is to be in the fight for another win, but we know it won’t be easy. This is an event that everyone wants to win and the three guys up front will all be pushing extremely hard. The stages are fast, and mistakes aren’t easily forgiven, but we will give it our best. Experience counts for a lot, and we’ll be looking to put all of our local knowledge to good use.”
Wales Rally GB starts on Thursday night with the opening stage at Tir Prince and finishes in Llandudno on Sunday afternoon after 23 stages and almost 200 miles of competition.