ELFYN Evans is relishing the restart of the FIA World Rally Championship on the super-fast roads of Estonia - but the Welsh ace knows that after a long lockdown break it will be a big challenge for everyone involved.

Rally Estonia restarts the series on 4-6 September after a Covid-19 pause following the third round in Mexico in March, when Evans and co-driver Scott Martin finished in fourth position in the Toyota Yaris WRC.

After the three rounds staged to date, they hold a strong second place in the points standings, only topped by Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT team-mate Sébastien Ogier, the six-time World champion.

The Dinas Mawddwy man, who was in Estonia testing the Yaris last week, has been keeping fit at home by combining his mountain biking activities with regular gym and weight sessions - but he was pleased to be back behind the wheel.

“It’s been a good test for Estonia, on nice fast roads, similar to the rally,” said Evans. “It will help fine tune the set-up - after our tests in Finland. If you blink, you might miss something, so I don’t.”

Having joined the title winning Toyota Gazoo World Rally Team at the start of the 2020 season, Evans scored an encouraging podium on his debut for his new employers on the Monte Carlo Rally.

He then made history in February when becoming the first British driver ever to win in snowy Sweden - a stand-out feat neither Colin McRae nor Richard Burns managed, despite winning world titles. Evans briefly led the Championship, too, for the first time in his rallying career.

“For sure, it was a good start to the year,” said Evans.“You always look to see what you could have done better - and looking back there have been a couple of frustrations this year - but, overall, it’s been by far the strongest start that I’ve ever made to a World Championship.

“I know everyone is working hard to maximise what is left of the year, but it’s not been easy, as there are so many major factors to consider. Fingers crossed, things will improve. I wanted to get back behind the wheel as soon as possible.”