Elfyn Evans becomes WRC world champion after Solberg crash — BBC Sport
Toyota driver Elfyn Evans has become world rally champion for the first time after a dramatic conclusion to Rally Italy in Sardinia, Italy. The Welshman secured the title after his main rival Oliver Solberg crashed less than 100 metres from the finish of the final special stage, BBC Sport reports.
Crash at the end of the special stage
Before the final, 17th special stage of Rally Italy, Evans' lead over Solberg had narrowed to one point. The Swede only needed to finish ahead of Evans on that stage to become champion thanks to bonus points. However, Solberg crashed two corners before the finish.
Solberg still won Rally Italy, finishing almost a minute ahead of nine-time world champion Sébastien Ogier. Evans took fifth place, 4 minutes 48.1 seconds behind the winner. After the special stage ended, Solberg remained in the car for some time, while Gazoo Racing team principal Jari-Matti Latvala and Ogier invited him onto the podium.
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Championship standings
Evans finished the season with 243 points. Solberg ended the championship second with 238 points, while another Toyota driver, Sami Pajari, finished third with 237 points. Had Solberg scored the maximum 35 points for the weekend, he would have surpassed Evans by two points.
The 37-year-old Evans from Dolgellau became the first Welshman to win the WRC world title and the third Briton after Colin McRae in 1997 and Richard Burns in 2001. He had previously finished the season as runner-up five times, including losing the title at the final rally in 2020 and 2025.
