ELFYN Evans is hoping to repeat his epic win in Monte Carlo when he flies the flag for the M-Sport World Rally Team in the FIA World Rally Championship’s principal support series at Rally Sweden.

Contesting the WRC 2 category, the Dinas Mawddwy ace will be amongst no fewer than 14 new-evolution Fiesta R5s – proving the speed at which M-Sport has been able to process the upgrades that were launched at the start of the year.

The Fiesta RS Evo made its WRC debut in superb fashion during last month’s Rallye Monte-Carlo and, with Evans and co-driver Craig Parry were the crew to beat.

“I’m feeling really good ahead of this event, and I’m looking forward to getting back behind the wheel,” said Evans.

“Sweden is always a tricky one as I’ve only ever done two snow rallies, but I do enjoy it, and I think that we showed some pretty good speed out there last year.

“The difficulty is getting up to speed from the word go, but I think the experience gained over the last two years will allow me to do that. We will also have a test on Monday to get used to the feeling of the Fiesta R5 Evo on snow, so I see no reason why we can’t be competitive.

“My goals are the same as the ones I had in Monte-Carlo. We go to Sweden hunting the win. I’m sure that a lot of other crews are just as hungry for victory and I know that it won’t be easy given their experience on this surface, but I’m confident that we can take the fight to them.”

Despite incurring two separate punctures, which cost Evans some three minutes to the leading pack, he could not be deprived of victory - taking a convincing win two minutes clear of Esapekka Lappi.

Evans biggest test, however, is yet to come, and having only contested two snow rallies in his career, the 27 year-old will be going head to head with those who are considered to be true specialists on the snow and ice of Rally Sweden.

Amongst Evans’ main rivals are the Skoda Motorsport works drivers – Esapekka Lappi and local hero Pontus Tidemand.

The competition will be tough, but Evans will look to use all of his experience – not to mention the Fiesta’s extensive upgrades – to challenge for the top positions.

“We go to Sweden with the goal of securing victory and I think that Elfyn is very capable of doing that,” said M-Sport’s Team Principal, Malcolm Wilson OBE.