Elfyn Evans Is World Rally Champion: Britain's First in 25 Years and What Changes in 2027

After years of near misses, Elfyn Evans is finally a world champion. The Toyota driver clinched the 2026 World Rally Championship at the season finale in Sardinia, becoming Britain's first world rally champion in 25 years.

A Hero's Welcome in Wales

Evans celebrated the only way that felt right: at home. He drove his title-winning Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 through the closed streets of his hometown, Dolgellau, as thousands of fans braved the rain to cheer him on. Evans called the reception "surreal."

For a driver who finished runner-up several times before this title, the celebration capped a long and patient climb to the top.

The Title Fight

Evans' Toyota teammate Sami Pajari went into the Sardinia decider as his closest rival, but ended the year third in the standings. Pajari says he has already identified where he needs to improve to make his own title push.

2027: A Rule Shake-Up

The WRC is about to change dramatically. The FIA has ratified key sporting regulations for 2027, when the top class will feature all-new WRC27 cars competing alongside updated Rally2 kit cars.

• The FIA has allowed Rally2 manufacturers to homologate an upgrade kit costing €7,500, designed to bring them closer to the new WRC27 cars.
• M-Sport has already revealed its 2027 Ford Fiesta kit car and is testing it at the European Rally Championship finale in Portugal.
• Hyundai has ruled out building a new WRC27 car, leaving driver Adrien Fourmaux facing uncertainty, though he says he is confident of a 2027 seat.

Loeb Is Back Behind the Wheel

Nine-time world champion Sebastien Loeb tested the new Project Rally One WRC27 car, which is set to debut at the season-opening Monte Carlo Rally in January. Meanwhile, 2024 champion Thierry Neuville won on his historic circuit racing debut at Imola.

A Big Year for Welsh Sport

Evans' title is a bright spot for Welsh sport during a difficult stretch for the national rugby setup. Read about the Welsh Rugby Union's £18 million loss and a tough World Cup.

For more motorsport, catch up on the MotoGP title fight and follow our rally coverage.