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Elfyn Evans has declared himself "shocked" by his demotion from M-Sport's top-class World Rally Championship team for 2016.

Instead of competing alongside Mads Ostberg in the frontline team, Evans will drive the Cumbrian squad's WRC2 spec Ford Fiesta R5 on a part programme through 2016.

He has been replaced by former Toyota protege Eric Camilli.

Evans and 2015 team-mate Ott Tanak were both made aware their positions were in jeopardy during inconsistent campaigns last season, but the Welshman believes he was judged unfairly.

"I felt I did everything in my power and to the best of my ability and to get judged on something which didn't actually make that much difference was tough," Evans told Autosport.

"I was shocked by the decision, to be honest.

"I'm confident I can do the job on all surfaces and I think Rally GB proved that. People's perception wasn't 100 per cent correct about that event."

Team principal Malcolm Wilson has already made clear that Evans could return to the World Rally Car for some events this season.

Evans is adamant his career in the WRC's top flight is not over and that he can change the way he is perceived in the service park this season.

"This is a bump in the road," he said.

"Everybody has tough times in their career - unless your name is Sebastien and you're French - and this is my tough time. I'll deal with it and be back.

"For sure, people are going to see a change in me this year.

"I don't agree with the decision and my only priority right now is to get myself back in the World Rally Car as soon as possible.

"I don't think I have always been perceived in the best or right way in how I come across.

"Maybe I have been guilty of being too modest in the public eye, but I will change. Trust me, deep down, I have the confidence I can do this."

Evans will have a new co-driver this season, with Tom Cave's former partner Craig Parry replacing Dan Barritt alongside him.

Barritt remained tight-lipped about his plans for the future, but he is believed to have accepted a job with Toyota's Gazoo-branded works arm.