WELSH rally ace Elfyn Evans and co-driver Daniel Barritt were in the fight for a second successive Wales Rally GB victory on home soil, but hopes of another win were dashed when their Ford Fiesta WRC developed a misfire on Friday.

Forced to retire on the liaison to the second loop of stages, Evans was denied chance to challenge for the top step of the podium, as Welsh hearts were broken.

“It’s been a really disappointing rally for us as we knew we had the speed and performance to challenge for the victory,” said Evans, from Dinas Mawddwy.

“It’s one of those things and after retiring with the misfire on Friday, we just had to focus on getting through without any issues.

“At some points I was surprised at the times as we really weren’t pushing at all, but there isn’t a lot we can take away from this weekend. That said, it was great to see all the spectators out on the stages and it was such a fantastic atmosphere at the finish in Llandudno.”

Evans, the 2017 event winner, was the only driver to challenge the dominant Ott Tanak on Friday morning, and entered the day’s second loop in second overall.

Hopes of another Welsh win were dashed on the road section to the afternoon stages. Developing a misfire, the British pairing went over time in an attempt to repair the issue and were forced to retire.

“We had a good morning, the feeling was good in the car, however on leaving service we found there was a slight misfire which unfortunately developed into something more terminal on the road section to Special Stage Seven,” he said.

Evans and Barritt went on to climb from 39th place overall to 20th, entertaining the Welsh rally supporters who lined the special stages.

“It was really difficult without something to fight for, but the stages were great to be honest. They were really good fun to drive and the atmosphere from the home fans has been great out there. It was enjoyable, but very frustrating at the same time.”

• Tom Cave from Aberdyfi was forced to retire in his Hyundai R5 after suspected damage to the sump on SS20. Cave took the fastest time in SS16 Sweet Lamb, SS18 Gartheiniog and SS19 Elsi, in the RC2 class.