THE world famous forests of Mid Wales once again reverberated to the sound of engines as thousands of people from across the world descended on the region for the 2019 Wales Rally GB.

While the World Rally Championship (WRC) round started in Liverpool the action took place in its traditional heartland of North and Mid Wales with Estonian Ott Tanak driving Toyota to its first Welsh win since 1996.

Tanak ended 10 seconds clear of Belgian Thierry Neuville with the Estonian now 28 points clear of Frenchman Sebastien Ogier at the top of the WRC standings.

Tanak said: “I have always wanted victory at Wales Rally GB.It was a long weekend and a lot of pressure.”

Ogier ended third with early stage leader Kris Meeke claiming fourth while son of Dolgellau Elfyn Evans marked his return from injury with an awe inspiring fifth place for Ford having won seven stages.

Once again Wales Rally GB underlined its reputation as one of the best rallies in the world with a large and appreciate crowd supporting crews on a 192 mile route across the best rally stages in the world.

Unprecedented crowds lined the stages as the dramatic action unfolded creating a memorable atmosphere in the forests while Saturday saw thousands of fans descend on Newtown for the midday regroup.

Four time Wales Rally GB winners Petter Solberg and Welshman Phil Mills made an emotional farewell appearance, taking 10th place overall and top honours in the WRC2 category in their Volkswagen Polo R5.

Aberdyfi’s Tom Cave and Llanfyllin co-driver Dale Furness enhanced their own reputation with an 11th place finish in their Hyundai i20 R5 and ended the top all-Welsh crew.

Meanwhile Newtown’s Keith Jones and Jonny Evans ended the national event in ninth place and second Welsh crew home in a Subaru Impreza.

The duo thanked sponsors Grooms Garage, Williams Plant Hire and Powys Transport for there continued support on the event.

Newtown’s Callum Hughes and Alun Horn were also in action, ending 13th overall and second in place in a Fiesta ST.