Evans with SEAT Sport in 2000

The technical expertise Evans will bring to the Barcelona-based team will be essential for the continued development of its Córdoba WRC E2.

While drivers Didier Auriol and Toni Gardemeister contest all 14 rounds of the 2000 FIA World Rally Championship, a dedicated SEAT Sport test team works in the background - often as much as three months ahead of the series calendar - preparing the Córdoba for competition and developing new parts.

Evans will play an increasingly important role in this area, supporting the team with his vast test experience and ability.

A former British Rally Champion, Evans is well known to SEAT Sport.

He has twice finished runner-up in the British Rally Championship driving a SEAT Cupra Sport-entered Ibiza Kit Car.

Evans, from Dinas Mawddwy in mid-Wales, has also driven for SEAT on World rallies in Finland, Argentina, Australia and the UK.

Evans recently tested the Córdoba WRC E2 at SEAT Sport's gravel test-track at Martorell in Spain.

He will regularly attend private SEAT Sport test sessions around the world from now on.

Evans said: "I'm obviously delighted to join the official SEAT Sport team as test driver.

"Everyone in the team works hard and is very enthusiastic.

"I hope my experience with four-wheel drive and active differentials will help it achieve more success in the World Rally Championship.

"If I can contribute and help Didier and Toni achieve better results, then my job with SEAT Sport will be complete."

Jaime Puig, Director of SEAT Sport, added: "We have worked with Gwyndaf a little in the past and look forward to working with him a lot more in the future.

"He is an excellent test driver, gets on very well with everybody in the team and will play an important role in the continued development of the Córdoba WRC E2."