“I’d kept telling myself over and over that this was just another rally and, to be honest, in the end I think I might have said that a bit too much. When we got to the final day with a decent gap, it was almost a bit too normal – but it can be like that when you’re not in the thick of a really big fight.
“Having said that, there was nothing normal about the fog in Aberhirnant on Saturday night. That was horrendous. Dan and I worked so hard in that stage; when you’re in the fog you’ve got no idea how much time you are gaining or losing over your rivals; it’s just about doing what you can do and not getting too excited about things.
“The final day was fairly straightforward for us. Like Friday and Saturday, there were so many people out there, cheering us on. That’s something I’ve never experienced before, never. They were even cheering for Dan – and he’s not even Welsh!
“I’ve got to say a very big thank you to all the marshals who put so much into this event and, of course, the spectators. A group of people got together and made a corner for me in the Myherin stage. I didn’t have a second to look as we went through Elfyn’s Corner, but Dan glanced up and said it was unbelievable. That was nice.
“Dan and I winning the event was just one part of what was a pretty unbelievable weekend for M-Sport. Being part of the team that won the Manufacturers’ and Drivers’ [for Sébastien Ogier] championships is fantastic. I have so many people, so many family, friends and, of course everybody at M-Sport, to thank for what we’ve achieved on this rally.
“Now we have to look forward and see what the future brings.”
Elfyn Evans was talking to David Evans.
Photography courtesy of Wales Rally GB, lead image by Ben Miles