DANIEL Barritt and Elfyn Evans have chalked up their first World Rally Championship podium at Rally Argentina.

Evans went to South America determined to show a vast improvement from this time 12 months ago, and he certainly achieved that.

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Combining near flawless consistency with flashes of speed in his Ford Fiesta, he and Barrowford star Barritt showed their potential this weekend.

Showcasing his speed with two third fastest times through the opening stages, the Welshman then played the sensible game – consolidating his position through the trickier speed tests.

Evans joined rally winner Kris Meeke on the podium, the first time two Brits have appeared there since Rally New Zealand in 2001 with the late greats – Colin McRae and Richard Burns.

“It’s been a crazy rally with so much drama so it feels great to have made it through with such a positive result,” said Evans.

“We didn’t come here expecting a podium, so it really is a fantastic feeling which probably hasn’t quite sunk in yet.

“Our plan was to air on the side of caution. We wanted to improve on last year, but we also wanted a mistake-free run which seems to have been the best strategy. The team provided me with an absolutely perfect car from start to finish, and we are here at the end because of that.

“I have to say hats off to Kris (Meeke) and Paul (Nagle) too. They did an absolutely incredible job this weekend. They were the fastest crew from the start and really controlled it from there on in. It’s a great result for them, and a great result for British rallying.”

M-Sport team principal Malcolm Wilson was equally delighted He said: “It’s an historic event for Elfyn. It’s only his second season and he’s already secured his first podium.

“The way he approached this event was very impressive. He was able to show speed, but he also knows when to control it – a rare talent in such a young and inexperienced driver.

“His result this weekend also promotes him into fourth place in the championship.”