After the final-day Day 4 of the 13th round of the 2026 WRC, Rally Italia Sardegna, Elfyn Evans and Martin (TOYOTA GAZOO Racing) became world champions for the first time. Oliver Solberg won the rally, but a course departure late in the event left the championship undecided.
After 4 days of competition, Evans and Martin became the season's first world champions, finishing 5th overall. On the final day, Evans secured the title through the Day 4 competition, while Solberg came close to the championship in a dramatic finish.
Evans lost approximately 2 minutes due to a tire problem on SS16 on the final day and fell to 5th overall, but ultimately moved closer to the title through the Day 4 result and Power Stage points. Solberg mounted a late charge from SS16 onward, but despite a strong performance in the final Power Stage, he could not close the gap and missed out on the title.
The final drivers' points were Evans 243, Solberg 238 and Pajari 237, with the top 3 separated by just 6 points in a closely contested battle. The result was Evans's first world championship, Solberg's victory and Pajari's 3rd-place finish.
Toyota emerged from the event as the winner of the three-way battle, remaining in contention for the title through the final stages.
The report is based solely on the facts described in the article, with further developments to come.