Elfyn Evans and Scott Martin are the 2026 FIA World Rally Champions after an extraordinary, last-gasp conclusion to the season at Rally Italia Sardegna. Their dramatic title-winning triumph, secured in the final moments of the championship, ends years of near-misses for the British duo and comes at a particularly exciting time ahead of the World Rally Championship’s long-awaited return to the UK with Rally Scotland in 2027.
The British pair entered the decisive Power Stage locked in a tense, winner-takes-all battle with Toyota Gazoo Racing team-mates Oliver Solberg and Elliott Edmondson, knowing that whoever set the fastest time would be crowned World Champion.
Evans, who had led the championship for much of the campaign and arrived in Italy topping the points table, completed his run first, setting the benchmark for his rivals. With the ultimate prize on the line, Solberg then launched a determined attack and, with just a couple of corners remaining, was ahead on the clock and seemingly on course to snatch the title.
But, with the finish line in sight and the championship within his grasp, the young Swede slid wide and ran into the sand, losing precious seconds and handing the ultimate WRC spoils to Evans and Martin in one of the most dramatic title deciders in recent memory.
The crowning success ends a long and often agonising wait for Evans and Martin, both alumni of the Motorsport UK Academy, who had previously finished championship runners-up on five occasions. Twice before they had also entered the final round leading the standings, only to see their title dreams disappear. This time, however, fortune finally smiled on the British pairing – although their triumph was anything but straightforward.
“It’s still not really sinking in yet that we’ve managed to get the championship across the line after such a wild final day,” admitted Elfyn. “We had to lay it all on the line for the Power Stage. It was a messy run so I was pretty sure I hadn’t done enough and Oliver was coming quicker until he had that moment near the end.
“I feel sorry for him and Elliott because they drove an incredible weekend. But we didn’t only win it there, it was a whole year’s worth of work and I think it’s a championship to be proud of. It’s a bit of a relief after coming close so many times, and I’ve got a lot of people to thank for backing me through the years, especially Scott and the team.”
The historic achievement makes Welshman Evans only the third British driver to win the FIA World Rally Championship, following in the wheel-tracks of Colin McRae, who claimed the title in 1995, and Richard Burns, who triumphed in 2001.
His English co-driver Martin becomes the fourth British navigator to be crowned World Champion. Derek Ringer and Robert Reid shared the honour alongside McRae and Burns respectively, while Phil Mills secured the title with Petter Solberg – Oliver’s father – in 2003.
The success is also a tremendous endorsement of the UK’s rallying talent and the work of the Motorsport UK Academy, which has helped nurture both Evans and Martin – as well as runner-up Edmondson – on their journeys to the very top of international rallying.
“This is a wonderful moment for Elfyn, Scott and everyone who has supported them on this journey,” said WRC Promoter Chief Operating Officer Julien Vial. “Their story is a reminder that you have to keep daring to dream, even after disappointment. To finally reach this moment makes the achievement even more special.”
“Elfyn and Scott have shown incredible resilience throughout this championship,” added WRC Promoter CEO Éric Boullier. “They have come close before, but they kept working, kept believing and kept delivering when the pressure was highest. Becoming WRC champions today is a hugely deserved reward for that perseverance.”
The triumph will add an extra dimension of excitement and anticipation to the WRC’s return to British shores next year. With two reigning British World Champions at the pinnacle of the sport, Rally Scotland in 2027 promises to be an especially significant occasion for fans, competitors and the wider British motorsport community.
After an absence of eight years, the return of the WRC to the UK will provide the perfect stage to celebrate a new generation of British rallying heroes – led by the newly crowned World Champions, Evans and Martin.