Evans Achieves Wales Rally GB Class Win in Hankook Fiesta

Welsh rally star Elfyn Evans exceeded all expectations at the Wales Rally GB, taking his Hankook Fiesta to class victory. The 18-year-old son of former British Rally Champion Gwyndaf Evans produced one of the most impressive drives of the three-day rally – the Cardiff-based finale to the World Rally Championship.

Evans’ Fiesta ended the event in 42nd place overall, a massive climb from his start number of 118 and an indication of the young driver’s future potential. Together with co-driver Richard Edwards the pair faced 17 high-speed tests in the Welsh forests – tackling some of the worst conditions ever seen on Wales Rally GB. They had to contend with torrential rain, blanket fog and extremely muddy conditions, but nothing nature threw at them fazed the pair. And while many cars suffered punctures from the rocky tracks and body damage in the tough conditions, Elfyn and Richard successfully navigated everything in their path.

Speaking at the finish ramp in Cardiff, Elfyn said he was delighted to have completed Wales Rally GB, and to win his class against international competition. “We settled into a steady pace, we had no mechanical problems and the Hankook tyres were excellent in all conditions and unlike others around us we didn’t suffer a single puncture,” he said. “To finish back here after such a tough event is just amazing and to have done so well with a class win gives us great confidence for the future.”

Hankook Motorsports manager Mike Patterson said the company was delighted with the outstanding success of the youngster. “Last year we supported Gwyndaf in the Mitsubishi Evo Challenge which he won outright and we are thrilled to have supported Elfyn in his stunning drive on Wales Rally GB.” Elfyn was greeted at the finish by proud dad Gwyndaf who said he had been extremely impressed with his son’s performance. “He has driven a very mature rally, posted some good stage times, and he has not put a scratch on the car – you can’t ask for more than that!”