Subject to confirmation of the final results by the FIA, Ingram has taken the coveted regional title for the first time alongside co-driver Ross Whittock in a Toksport WRT-run ŠKODA Fabia R5.

“It’s been a very hard road to get here but this is everything to us,” said the 25-year-old Briton. “Thank you so much to everyone who has helped us, everyone who has supported us. The support has been absolutely unbelievable and we are so grateful.

“It’s been such a hard year but I’ve not done this alone, without so many people this would not have been possible. Ross [Whittock, co-driver] has been unbelievable, he’s the most reliable guy, I’m a complete dope. But he’s the most focused person in the whole world. My Toksport team have been absolutely amazing. The car has been perfect. Thank you so much to them for making it happen.”

Despite slipping from third to fourth with a final-stage puncture, Ingram scored 141 points compared to the 132 registered by Alexey Lukyanuk, who dropped out of the lead on the final stage when he suffered a puncture of his own.

Ingram is the first British ERC champion since Vic Elford in 1967. Elford, now 84, has been following his compatriot’s progress from his home in the USA.

Frigyes Turán, from Hungary, won the event – his first ERC triumph – with Saintéloc Junior Team’s Lukyanuk classified second and Motorsport Ireland-backed Callum Devine taking the final podium for Hyundai Motorsport N on his first appearance in the ERC’s top division.

A full Q&A with the champion and the Rally Hungary leg two press release will be issued later this evening.

*Subject to confirmation of the results by the FIA