Elfyn Evans has claimed his first World Rally Championship title in extraordinary circumstances, with rival Oliver Solberg crashing just metres from the finish line on the final stage of Rally Italia Sardegna. The British driver, partnered with co-driver Scott Martin, secured the 2026 championship by a five-point margin following the dramatic conclusion to the season.
Evans becomes the first British WRC champion in 25 years, ending a long drought for drivers from the United Kingdom in motorsport’s premier rally series. The Toyota driver’s triumph was sealed when Solberg’s challenge unravelled spectacularly, with the Norwegian driver running off the road less than 100 metres from the finish of the concluding stage in Sardinia.
The Gazoo Racing driver showed remarkable composure in the aftermath of such a momentous victory. When addressing the incident that handed him the title, Evans demonstrated characteristic humility: “It hasn’t sunk in, I feel for Oliver, he had an incredible weekend. I don’t know what to say.”
Solberg’s late-rally crash proved the decisive moment in what had been a closely contested championship battle. The incident robbed the rival driver of a genuine opportunity to challenge Evans’ championship lead, leaving the British driver to clinch the crown under unforeseen circumstances.
Toyota’s Dominant Season
Evans’ success represents a significant achievement for Toyota’s Gazoo Racing team, with the manufacturer continuing its strong representation in the WRC. Team principal Jari-Matti Latvala and sporting director Kaj Lindstrom oversaw a campaign that ultimately delivered championship success, alongside other notable Toyota drivers including Sébastien Ogier and Sami Pajari.
The dramatic nature of Evans’ title-winning moment ensured that the 2026 WRC season concluded with the kind of unexpected twist that defines motorsport’s most memorable moments. Despite the controversial circumstances, Evans’ championship represents a milestone for British rallying.