Elfyn Evans given hero’s welcome in Gwynedd after World Rally title

On 15 October 2026, new World Rally champion Elfyn Evans received a hero's welcome from hundreds of supporters in his home county of Gwynedd. The celebration was held in Dolgellau.

Evans drove his Toyota World Rally car from Dinas Mawddwy to a stage in the centre of Dolgellau, where he signed autographs and posed for photographs with fans. The event finished with a driving exhibition around Dolgellau's main car park in which he took First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth for a spin. Evans, the first Welsh driver to become world champion, thanked supporters who had backed him since he started his career as a teenager and said he felt "very lucky and honoured" the event had been arranged. He added he hoped his success would build "some awareness of the sport" and said he was taken aback by the cheering from pupils: "Of course we're used to it on events, but to have it at home is a bit surreal in a way."

Earlier on Thursday Evans visited his former school Ysgol Bro Idris, meeting pupils and teachers. Esme and Lois, both 12, described the experience as "amazing" and Esme said she felt "so lucky" that the world champion had visited. Esme added, "We're such a small place, but we have such amazing people here." Louie, 13, said he "spoke about how much the car was worth and how it felt to see him come first" and that "it's shows what Wales can do", while Oscar, 13, said: "I'm proud of him for doing what he's done, and he deserves more I reckon."

Crowds had gathered in Dolgellau's Eldon Square despite persistent rain, with most supporters local and some having travelled significant distances to attend. From the podium Evans thanked his family and said his grandfather had "taught me to drive probably far too early". Wyn Williams from Llanrwst and Neil Pringle from Betws-y-Coed, who were in Sardinia when Evans clinched the championship, said the celebration was "the icing on the cake after being in Sardinia". Pringle described the evening as "fantastic" and said the First Minister's presence "shows what this means to Wales", adding: "This is for Elfyn, his family and the country."

Several members of Evans's family were in the crowd, including his aunt Lowri Edwards who had travelled from Glan Conwy and said: "We're absolutely thrilled, to be honest. He's come so close and been terribly unlucky, finishing second five times - we're absolutely thrilled." Heledd Edwards travelled from Talerddig and described Evans's perseverance as an inspiration. Dolgellau Town Council helped organise the celebration and Deputy Mayor Nia Wyn Evans said: "We are absolutely thrilled and delighted to be able to welcome Elfyn back as a world champion; there's a real buzz in the town."

Evans, son of former rally driver Gwyndaf Evans, had finished runner-up in the world championship five times before this year's victory. During the final rally of the season in Sardinia it looked as though his main rival and teammate Oliver Solberg would deny him the title, but Solberg slid off the track two corners from the finish on the last stage, prompting jubilation among Evans's fans.

Evans's victory comes as the World Rally Championship prepares to replace the high-powered Rally1 cars with new technical regulations from next season intended to encourage new manufacturers to compete in more affordable and sustainable vehicles. It will be a new challenge for the drivers and their teams, as Evans sets out to defend his title.