Elfyn Evans eyes World Rally Championship programme after Academy title

The 23-year-old Welshman's Rallye de France success on Saturday meant he became the first Briton to win a world rally title since Niall McShea lifted the Production Car WRC in 2004. Evans succeeds Ireland's Craig Breen as Academy champion.

After a troubled opening Academy round in Portugal, Evans has gone on to dominate the last four rounds of the series - taking the crown with an event to spare.

"It's been an incredible year," said Evans, "and it really hasn't sunk in yet.

"I haven't decided what I will do with the prize, whether I will do the full programme in the Fiesta R2 or use the four-wheel-drive car on selected rounds.

"The one thing I am determined to do is to take the next step into the world championship and, hopefully, go all the way."

Evans also paid tribute to his co-driver Phil Pugh, who stepped in to navigate for him after the opening round. The pair remain undefeated in the Academy since they joined forces.

"From the minute Phil got in the car, everything just clicked," said Evans.

"He's been fantastic. He's got so much experience and he's been at such a high level, when I called him to ask him to come with me, I really wasn't sure if he'd accept - but he did and it's worked very, very well."