GEMsport's Elfyn Evans recorded his second successive win in one of the toughest asphalt rally series on the calendar last weekend.
The rising Welsh star won the Maxol E85 Ford Fiesta SportingTrophy IE category of the UAC Circuit of Ireland Rally on Easter Sunday, setting a string of fastest times in the
hustings.com Fiesta.
The result gives Elfyn, the son of rally legend and GEMsport boss Gwyndaf Evans, a commanding lead in the championship.
"We really have had a great start to the season in the Irish championship," said Elfyn. "The
hustings.com Fiesta was brand new for this event and never missed a beat from start to finish despite some tough rallying."
Changeable weather and the constant threat of rain throughout the one-day event meant some difficult tyre choices for Elfyn and co-driver Gareth Roberts.
However nothing put them off their pace and Elfyn said that to pick up maximum points for the second rally running had been a great reward for their determination and consistency.
"There were a few big jumps, extremely tricky roads and tough weather conditions but we concentrated on getting the car to the finish in one piece and picking up points," he added. "To be back on the top step of the podium again was a real bonus."
Despite the second victory for GEMsport this season, the event was not as successful for team-mate Meilyr Evans whose car suffered an electrical problem and forced him into retirement.
Team boss Gwyndaf however was full of praise for the whole team and said that a second win in the team's first season was providing solid foundations for the future: "Rallying is a tough sport but we have a dedicated team and will be hoping that both drivers can be on the podium when we return to Ireland in May," he stated.
The next asphalt round of the Irish championship is the Rally of the Lakes in Killarney on May 4. Before that though, the cars will be switched to gravel settings as the team contests the second round of the Fiesta SportingTrophy in the UK - the Pirelli National Rally in Kielder on April 19.
