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Elfyn Evans wins first WRC title after dramatic finale in Sardinia
Elfyn Evans and co-driver Scott Martin have secured their first FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) titles following a dramatic conclusion at Rally Italia Sardegna. The 2026 season ended in a high-stakes showdown between Toyota Gazoo Racing teammates Evans and Oliver Solberg.
Heading into the final Power Stage, Evans held a narrow one-point lead over Solberg. While Solberg appeared to be on track for the championship, he lost control of his vehicle and went off the road just two corners from the finish line. Although Solberg managed to recover and ultimately won the Sardinian rally, the time lost prevented him from securing enough bonus points to overtake Evans in the overall standings.
Evans finished the season with 243 points, five points ahead of Solberg. This victory marks the first WRC title for the Welsh driver after five previous runner-up finishes and makes him the first British driver to win the championship since Richard Burns in 2001.
Entities
Edgar Canet · Elfyn Evans · FIA World Rally Championship · Oliver Solberg · Rally Italia Sardegna · Rally Italy Sardinia · Sami Pajari · Sardinia · Sardinia Rally · Scott Martin · Toyota Gazoo Racing · Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Solberg won the specific rally event but took silver in the championship.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Oliver Solberg lost the World Rally Championship gold due to a crash.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Elfyn Evans won the World Rally Championship gold.