21 January 2015

 The new series of Ralïo+ on S4C will follow the progress of young Dolgellau driver, Elfyn Evans in all rounds of the World Rally Championship 2015.

The series returns within the Sunday afternoon sports programme Clwb on Sunday 1 February with coverage of the WRC opening ceremony and first competitive round in Monte Carlo. Before that, highlights of the opening rally’s Power Stage will be shown in Clwb this coming Sunday 25 January.

S4C's Heno programme on Friday 30 January will also feature the rally and the opening ceremony – a ceremony in which one of Heno’s presenters, Anglesey-born singer and composer, Elin Fflur will sing in front of a large audience of celebrities, sports, media and business people in Café de Paris, Casino Square, Monte Carlo.

Before entertaining the ceremony guests, Elin will be driven around the Monaco Grand Prix Formula 1 circuit by Elfyn Evans in the M-Sport Ford Fiesta in which he and his co-driver Daniel Barritt will be competing in the championship.

Elin said, "I’m not sure which prospect is the more exciting – singing in the opening ceremony or being driven round the track by Elfyn. I’m looking forward immensely to both experiences. I love driving and have always wanted to be driven in a rally car by a safe pair of hands like Elfyn. I'll be realising two ambitions in one day as the chance to sing at a venue like Café de Paris is also an ambition of mine. I feel very privileged."

Emyr Penlan, producer and co-presenter of Ralïo+, is confident 2015 will be a big year for Elfyn Evans who came 8th in last year's World Rally Championship. "Elfyn did well last year – his first year competing at the top level of the championship and he’ll have every chance this year," said Emyr.

"Elfyn won the Power Stage of the German round on tarmac last year; he came 4th twice and ended the year on a high finishing 5th in the Wales Rally GB. But it was a learning year at the top level for Elfyn. However, he had a lot of success and completed almost every rally.

"I'm sure he’ll secure a top three place and a place on the podium this year. He's got a great chance to improve if he keeps up last year’s momentum. Ralïo+ viewers will be able to follow his progress in all 13 rounds culminating once more in the Wales Rally GB in November."

As well as having highlights of all rounds in the WRC, Ralïo+ will continue to cover local rallying and other motorsports events in the new series.

Lowri Morgan co-presents the series with Emyr Penlan. Wyn Gruffudd is the commentator and Howard Davies, former co-driver of rally champion, Gwyndaf Evans, father of Elfyn Evans, is the expert analyst.

ENDS