There’s nothing unusual in a Welshman wanting Wales’ round of the World Rally Championship on the calendar next season. But Elfyn Evans’ thinking goes far beyond jingoism…
It’s about the diversity. And the fact that Wales offers some of the finest roads and most challenging conditions of the season.
“Of course, I’d like to see the WRC back in Wales in 2021,” said Evans.
“And not just for patriotic reasons. The great thing about Rally GB is that it’s a unique event. It’s very different to all the others on the calendar and the challenge of rallying in Wales is one which everyone enjoys.
“The world championship needs diversity and you certainly get that with Rally GB. So, I desperately hope it can keep its place on the WRC calendar.”
As reported by DirtFish earlier this week, Rally GB’s hopes of returning to the WRC calendar look to have taken a turn for the better with a potential funding boost from the Welsh government.
Photo: M-Sport World Rally Team
One of the founding rounds of the WRC in 1973, Rally GB was canceled due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus earlier this year, meaning it won’t run for the first time in 53 years – the 1967 event was lost to foot and mouth disease.
Evans admits the year won’t seem the same without the event where he broke his WRC duck in 2017.
He added: “Obviously, not to have my home event is a huge disappointment – it’s always a highlight of my year.
“These are exceptional times, however, and so we have to be happy to be rallying anywhere. We’ll be focusing on what we do have rather than what we don’t have.
“It seems things are still a bit up in the air at the moment, so we have to take everything we can when we can. We just have to keep going to every rally and giving our best. We don’t really know how things will unfold.
“I have had my best ever start to a season but, even with a shortened calendar, there is still lots to come. Moreover, I have limited experience of the Yaris in certain conditions. We will just have to learn quickly and hope for the best.”
