The fans flocked to Wales and local hero Elfyn Evans dominated, while Sebastien Ogier secured his fifth World Rally crown.
Not since Sunday September 16, 2012 had a driver other than Sebastien Ogier led Wales Rally GB. Not since Friday November 22, 2001 had a British driver led their home round of the World Rally Championship.
Myherin, mid-morning last Friday and Elfyn Evans changed those records. But what about the big one? What about the fact that a local hadn’t sprayed the Sunday afternoon champagne on this rally since Richard Burns did 17 years ago? Evans was more than equal to correcting that wrong, too.
M-Sport enjoyed its own golden hour last Sunday. When Ott Tanak crossed the finish line on SS21 at 1250 in his Ford Fiesta, the Cumbrians ruled the world for the first time in 10 years. Thirteen minutes later, team-mate Ogier followed him and became only the second man in history to lift five world titles.
Ten minutes after that, Evans rounded off the most incredible Sunday lunchtime by becoming the fourth Briton to win his home round of the World Rally Championship.
The fairy tale was complete. The dream delivered. The delight etched into Evans’ face was hard to reconcile with the fella who was watching on the sidelines on this rally just 12 months ago.
A year ago, Elfyn didn’t know if he had a job. There was the chance of something. Or nothing. Now? Rally GB hero. Let’s have a look at the four days that changed everything for Evans and Dan Barritt.
Wales was full last weekend. There was no room at the inns and even less in the stages. Car parks? Forget it. Only the hardcore, the car sleepers, were guaranteed a place. The verges lining the road sections were the only option. But they were fraught with risk – the risk, that is, of losing your car for the rest of the day.
This story is from the November 02,2017 edition of Autosport.
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This story is from the November 02,2017 edition of Autosport.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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