M-Sport Ford World Rally Championship driver Elfyn Evans will be back in a rally car for the first time in more than two months this week, following a back injury.
The Welshman has spent the last 10 weeks on the sidelines following the injury sustained at July’s Rally Estonia – a non-WRC event used as a warm-up for Rally Finland.
Signed off as 100% fit by his medical team late last week, Evans began his physical preparations for a World Rally Championship return at Wales Rally GB immediately.
M-Sport managing director Malcolm Wilson told Autosport Evans will drive a Ford Fiesta R5 (similar to the one pictured below) in Greystoke this week.
“I’ve never known Elfyn so keen to do some PR work in a car,” said Wilson.
“OK, it’s an R5 car not a World Rally Car, but it’s great to have him back out there and he’ll be back in a World Rally Car as soon as possible.
“We have definitely missed him.
“When you look at the pace Teemu [Suninen] managed on days two and three in Germany, you can’t help but think that’s one Elfyn could have been in with a shot at winning.”
Evans missed Rally Finland, Germany and Turkey, replaced in the first two by Gus Greensmith while M-Sport ran two cars only in Turkey.
“It’s such a relief to be back,” said Evans.
“It’s been painful sitting around waiting for this news.
“Now I know I’m 100% and I’m straight back at it.
“I’ve done some training, but I’ve had to be careful with my back – I’m glad I can stop with all that putting my legs in the air shit and get on with some hard work.”
Evans will come back with a brand new Ford Fiesta WRC, and is expected to complete a pre-event test in Greystoke and Wales as he attempts to repeat his 2017 victory – his only win in the WRC so far – on the same rally.
“I’ve spent a lot of time watching onboards from previous years recently, and the route’s pretty mega,” said Evans of his home event.
“OK, there are some long days, but that’s part of the challenge.
“I can’t wait to get at it, to get into the test and onto the event.”
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