ELFYN Evans says that he will be gunning for back-to-back victories on the Dayinsure Wales Rally GB after his memorable 2017 success.

While many eyes will be focused on the three-way title fight for the World Championship crown, Welsh rally fans will be hoping their home hero can once again upset the form book.

Last year, the Welsh wizard from Dolgellau made history by becoming the first Welsh driver ever to win a round of the World Rally Championship - and that's a feat he’s now aiming to repeat.

“Competing at home always brings special motivation," said 29 year-old Evans, who even has a corner named after him on the Myherin stage."We have some of the best stages in the world in Wales, and when you see all the Welsh flags and fans cheering you on you can’t help but feel a real sense of pride.

“The win last year is something that we will never forget. There’s always something special about that first victory, but doing it on home soil with all of our family and friends there was really special and something we definitely want to replicate again this year.

“The aim is to be in the fight for another win, but we know it won’t be easy. This is an event that everyone wants to win and the three guys up front will all be pushing extremely hard.

"The stages are fast, and mistakes aren’t easily forgiven, but we will give it our best. Experience counts for a lot, and we’ll be looking to put all of our local knowledge to good use.”

M-Sport Ford’s fleet of EcoBoost-powered Ford Fiesta WRCs will be chasing a strong result when the FIA World Rally Championship ventures to the team’s home event this week.

To best prepare for Wales Rally GB’s notoriously challenging stages, the team completed four days of testing – both at home in Cumbria as well as on-location in the Welsh forests.

And with the event’s past five winners all behind the wheel of the Fiesta this week, the team have high hopes of once again challenging for victory.

Last year’s victory was particularly special as the Welsh fixture played host to an incredible weekend for the Cumbrian squad who secured the win as well as the FIA World Rally Championships for Manufacturers, Drivers and Co-drivers.

The Championships can’t be secured on Welsh soil this year, but the victory will be hotly contested and could well prove pivotal as the season draws to a close.

Team Principal, Malcolm Wilson OBE, said: “The competition could not be closer and we’ll be hoping for another strong result on home soil.

"Nothing will ever top last year when we secured all three titles as well as the rally win, but we are aiming to be in the fight for another victory this year.

“Both Sébastien Ogier and Elfyn know what it takes to stand on the top step of the podium in Wales.

"Sébastien has won this event four times, and Elfyn not only grew up on these roads but also made history when he won the event last year – the first Welsh driver to ever do so at this level."

Not for 15 years has the WRC produced such a captivating title battle among both drivers and manufacturers.

With three rounds remaining on the 2018 calendar, just 24 points separate series leader Thierry Neuville, fast finishing Ott Tänak and five-time world champ Sébastien Ogier.

With 90 points still on the table, the crown can not be won in Wales but, with time running out, all three protagonists will be flat-out in the Welsh forests.

Whether Evans wins again or not, Welsh fans should have one champion to cheer on the podium in Llandudno.

Providing extra spectacle and interest, this year’s Dayinsure Wales Rally GB also features the final two rounds of the Prestone MSA British Rally Championship, and another local ace, Matt Edwards, is on the cusp of securing on home soil.

2018 DAYINSURE WALES RALLY GB ROUTEThursday 4 October

19:00 - SS1: Tir Prince

Friday 5 October

07:56 - SS2: Clocaenog 1

08:32 - SS3: Brenig 1

09:47 - SS4: Penmachno 1

10:40 - SS5: Slate Mountain 1

10:47 - SS6: Slate Mountain 2

13:11 - Service: Deeside Rally Village

14:37 - SS7: Clocaenog 2

15:13 - SS8: Brenig 2

16:28 - SS9: Penmachno 2

19:02 - Service and overnight: Deeside Rally Village

Saturday 6 October

08:35 - SS10: Myherin 1

09:15 - SS11: Sweet Lamb Hafren 1

10:28 - SS12: Dyfi 1

11:02 - SS13: Gartheiniog 1

12:08 - SS14: Dyfnant (Live TV)

13:15 - Regroup: Newtown

14:52 - SS15: Myherin 2

15:32 - SS16: Sweet Lamb Hafren 2

16:45 - SS17: Dyfi 2

17:19 - SS18: Gartheiniog 2

19:37 - Service and overnight: Deeside Rally Village

Sunday 7 October

07:22 - SS19: Elsi

08:08 - SS20: Gwydir 1 (Power Stage)

09:16 - SS21: Great Orme Llandudno 1

10:29 - SS22: Gwydir 2

12:18 - SS23: Great Orme Llandudno 2

13:15 - Ceremonial Finish: The Promenade, Llandudno