New world rally champion Elfyn Evans has been given a hero's welcome by hundreds of supporters at a celebration event in his home county. The driver from Dinas Mawddwy in Gwynedd drove his Toyota world rally car from the village to a stage in the middle of nearby Dolgellau, before meeting fans for autographs and photographs. The celebrations ended with a driving exhibition in which Evans took First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth for a spin around Dolgellau's main car park.
Evans became the first Welsh driver to become world champion. He thanked the fans who had supported him since he started his career as a teenager, and said he felt "very lucky and honoured" that the event was arranged, hoping his success would build "some awareness of the sport". He said he was taken aback by the cheering from pupils at his former school, Ysgol Bro Idris, where he met pupils and teachers earlier in the day. "Of course we're used to it on events, but to have it at home is a bit surreal in a way," he said.
Despite the attention, Evans said being champion wouldn't change much in his day-to-day life. "Life at home is exactly the same, we still have the same battles to get the kids to school every morning as any other family," he said. "I'm still hungry to try and achieve more in the sport and my approach won't change."
At the event in Dolgellau's Eldon Square, despite persistent rain, crowds gathered to celebrate. Evans thanked his family, saying his grandfather had "taught me to drive probably far too early". Dolgellau Town Council helped organise the celebration, with Deputy Mayor Nia Wyn Evans saying there was "a real buzz in the town".
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing