DOLGELLAU’S Elfyn Evans has signed a new contract with Toyota Gazoo Racing as the team heads into a crucial phase of development and competition with the new-for-2022 technical regulations knowing it can count on four drivers who have all previously won rallies and helped it towards championship success.

The team will enter a new era of the FIA World Rally Championship relying on a strong driver line-up of proven winners across its three full-season manufacturer entries in 2022.

Elfyn Evans and Kalle Rovanperä will contest every event in the new hybrid Rally1 car after signing new contracts with the team, while multiple world champion Sébastien Ogier will also continue to compete for Toyota in selected rounds even as he steps back from full-time rallying.

To complete the high-calibre line-up, Esapekka Lappi makes a welcome return to the team to share a car with Ogier during the season.

Evans joined the team at the beginning of 2020 and soon proved himself to be a championship contender, claiming wins in Sweden and Turkey and ultimately finishing runner-up to Ogier in a contest that went right down to the final round.

After also winning in Portugal earlier this season and then at Rally Finland last weekend, the 32-year-old Welshman and his co-driver Scott Martin remain in contention for this year’s title with two rounds remaining.

Evans said: “I’m really pleased to continue driving with the Toyota Gazoo Racing team.

“I have very much enjoyed my time here so far over the past two years, and to win for the team on its home rally in Finland last weekend was an extra-special feeling for me.

“Now we are getting ready to enter a new phase with new regulations, and I’m excited to work with everyone in the team to do the best job we can in developing the Rally1 car and trying to achieve the best results possible next season.

“Before then, I’m keen to round off this year on a strong note and help to secure the championship for the team.”