Elfyn Evans celebrates world rally title with Dolgellau homecoming

Elfyn Evans celebrated becoming Wales' first world rally champion driver with hundreds of supporters in Dolgellau on Thursday, October 15. BBC Wales reported that the Gwynedd driver brought his Toyota rally car to the town, met fans and rounded off the homecoming with a driving display attended by First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth.

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Earlier in the day, Evans returned to his former school, Ysgol Bro Idris, to meet pupils and teachers. The BBC reported that supporters later gathered in Eldon Square despite persistent rain. Evans signed autographs, posed for photographs and thanked the people who had backed him from the beginning of his career.

The celebration followed the championship success of Evans and co-driver Scott Martin. According to the event announcement on Evans' official website, Dolgellau Town Council and Gwynedd Council supported the homecoming. The programme centred on bringing his Toyota Yaris Rally1 into Eldon Square, displaying the car and giving local supporters an opportunity to hear about the title-winning season directly from the driver.

DirtFish reported that Evans secured the championship at the season's final round in Sardinia earlier this month, having led the standings since April. The result made the Toyota driver the first Welsh winner of the world drivers' title and provided the occasion for the gathering in his home area.

Speaking to DirtFish before the event, Evans said he had initially been unsure about the idea of a public celebration but appreciated the effort made by the councils and others involved. He also welcomed the opportunity to bring the rally car to local fans, noting that Wales had not been part of the World Rally Championship for several years.

The BBC reported that ap Iorwerth joined Evans for a ride during the display in Dolgellau's main car park. For Evans, the celebrations also included a reunion with family members and supporters who had watched his championship victory in Sardinia. He said his approach to competing would remain unchanged and that he still wanted to achieve more in rallying.