After winning the series two years in succession, Toyota Australia rewarded Evans with a drive in a Group A Corolla prepared in Canberra by Neal Bates Motorsport.
Evans' raw speed and flamboyant driving style have won him many fans all around the country. The Confederation of Australian Motor Sport recently named him the 2003 Motorsport Personality of the Year.
He has been the outstanding privateer in Australian rallying in recent years and last year broke through for his first ARC round win, but Evans said it was essential to score a factory team drive.
"My ambition has always been to win the Australian Rally Championship and to do that you have to be in a works team, so this is a great opportunity for me and I'm extremely pleased," said Evans. "Toyota is a fantastic company to be associated with and they share my determination to win the championship.
"When I tested the Corolla Sportivo last month, it felt really well balanced and I could definitely feel the potential. I feel very comfortable in the car and with the team."
TTR's Corolla Sportivos were the first cars in the world built to the Group N (Prototype) regulations and were improved progressively throughout the 2003 season.
Bates placed eighth in the ARC last year but is confident that off-season improvements to the Corollas will enable them to challenge for the title in 2004.
"I think Simon is the fastest driver in the country - aside from me, of course!" said Bates, tongue in cheek.
"It should be a good challenge, but if he is faster than me and wins rallies, then that would be great for Toyota and for Neal Bates Motorsport.
"Simon and Sue have been great friends since we worked together back in 1997 and their return will allow us to take our motorsport program to the next level."