M-Sport Ford World Rally Teams

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I hope he didn’t curse him now

But yeah he has been very impressive so far, also credit to the team with the cars reliability. Seems they have learned from the past two years and indeed made the right adjustments

It's great to finally see some light at the end of the tunnel for Fourmaux, the team and the fans. There's been a tough couple of years and a lot of harsh criticism but none of them gave up and kept working hard and believing.

I hope the critics now give some credit where it's due, but I doubt it. They'll just stay quiet and wait to jump on any setback.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Fourmaux interview on Portugal, time loss mystery and straight to the USA for simulator work for fast gravel...

https://www.rallye-sport.fr/a-fourmaux-tres-content-de-notre-rallye-portugal/

[mknight]

The difference in reliability of both the car and Fourmaux is indeed impressive.

For the car I wonder if this is due to less development/push for changes, compared to what seemed to be there with Tanak.

For Fourmaux he is much better at driving at little bit less than maximum push and keeping it on the road. That said pacewise he mostly goes around 5th place in similar conditions. Whether that is due to the car not being as fast as others or due to him backing is impossible to tell. Therefore it's kinda early to call him a finished article, especially after the big error in Croatia.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1805155131563864064/WniLAtob_400x400.jpg

M-Sport @MSportLtd

22 years ago, a record began.

Since then, M-Sport has achieved an astounding 300 consecutive manufacturer points-scoring finishes in the FIA World Rally Championship.

This week, during Rally Poland, the team will be celebrating this milestone accomplishment !

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Great piece on Dirtfish on how the 300 happened and thanks mostly to the perseverance of Mr Malcolm Wilson...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/how-wilson-hit-an-unbeaten-wrc-300/

[mknight]

The contrast to last year continues.

One thing is the reliability which I can understand usually improves over time.

What I struggle more with is the speed. Looking at both Fourmaux and Sesks it seems faster compared with competition than last year with Tanak driving. Assuming the drivers are not faster than Tanak this must mean the car is fast.

[doubled1978]

The contrast to last year continues.

One thing is the reliability which I can understand usually improves over time.

What I struggle more with is the speed. Looking at both Fourmaux and Sesks it seems faster compared with competition than last year with Tanak driving. Assuming the drivers are not faster than Tanak this must mean the car is fast.

I think Fourmaux said a few rallies back they have worked in the Ford simulator in the US and found some improvements, which stacks up when you see the speed is better. I still think they struggle on second pass through the ruts etc, they seem to lose some speed there. Biggest surprise for me was Fourmaux in Croatia, the car has previously understeered terribly on tarmac, but it looked good and his power stage run was exceptional, you don’t do that if the car is crap.
I’m not surprised at Fourmaux, you could see from way back his driving was very good, just the little costly errors in a difficult car, but now he has some experience and a better car, he’s doing great.

I wonder if Mikkelsen regrets turning down the full season with them now.

[mknight]

Sounds a bit like Ford used some of the ex-Tanak money on the car instead.

Good, the championship needs that there are more than two competitive teams, even if it's just 1 car.

With regards to team choices it is always difficult to predict. MSport has a recent history for match-ups made in heaven that turned out really bad, Tanak last year and Breen before. So it was always the riskier choice.

[doubled1978]

Sounds a bit like Ford used some of the ex-Tanak money on the car instead.

Good, the championship needs that there are more than two competitive teams, even if it's just 1 car.

With regards to team choices it is always difficult to predict. MSport has a recent history for match-ups made in heaven that turned out really bad, Tanak last year and Breen before. So it was always the riskier choice.

Yes exactly, the Championship needs all the cars to be competitive. Maybe after this season MSport might have more of a chance getting a good, solid pro to partner Fourmaux, 2 competitive Pumas would be great.
On that note, I was very impressed with Sesks this weekend, he seems to have a good attitude, was quick out of the blocks and didn’t bin it. We have seen guys step up from rally2 and just not be on top of the car, Munster is an example, he’s always a step behind the car, reacting to it rather than driving it. To be fair, this was probably his best showing yet, but Sesks looked like he had a better command of the car straight away. I hope he has a good run in the ‘full’ car in a Latvia and the pressure doesn’t overcome him.

[mknight]

MSport catching up might also mean that development at Toyota and Hyundai slowed down (cause they appear evenly matched).

If that is the case what might be the reason:
- Waiting for the rules decision
- Not easy to develop these cars further

Hope it's the second.

[doubled1978]

MSport catching up might also mean that development at Toyota and Hyundai slowed down (cause they appear evenly matched).

If that is the case what might be the reason:
- Waiting for the rules decision
- Not easy to develop these cars further

Hope it's the second.

I would think the second, the law of diminishing returns applies I suppose.
In very simplistic terms, Toyota have been very good at producing a neutral car that gives confidence, Hyundai went from an under steering car in the ‘17 spec, to a tail happy one and MSport did the opposite, tail happy to understeer. Hyundai with their resources, and drivers have improved quite a lot in a short space of time, MSport it has taken longer due to less resource.
I’m sure their is more nuance than that, but the way I see it, those are the broad strokes.

[mknight]

Sure after a while the improvements get smaller.

But still with the previous gen cars it looked like Toyota and Hyundai always kept improving (and MSport couldn't keep up after 2019).

Might be that the lack of active center diff, freeze on engine development and lower amount of testing is actually working?

[Eli]

Sure after a while the improvements get smaller.

But still with the previous gen cars it looked like Toyota and Hyundai always kept improving (and MSport couldn't keep up after 2019).

Might be that the lack of active center diff, freeze on engine development and lower amount of testing is actually working?

Well don’t forget Covid hampered them and while Hyundai & Toyota managed to keep up, M-Sport had a lot of their staff redundant so I’m sure that put them even further behind.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

/\
Thanks for all the positive comments people !

Fourmaux has certainly taken a great step this season and is almost on a par with the elite drivers (less than 0.2 sec/ km) as he states here:

https://rallyjournal.com/wrc-driver-cements-his-place-at-the-top-i-can-fight-against-these-guys/

The Puma's speed and reliability has also been damn close to the others and there have been no complaints at all from any of the drivers (unlike Tanak last season). Even debutant Sesks was comfortable in the car and straight on good pace.

Its strange that the Team has finally been rewarded in the year when original expectations were so low. Long may it continue !

[macebig]

Mikkelsen (if he changes his mind) and Evans are pretty much the only realistic targets for M-Sport if they intend on having 2 fully competitive cars. Unless, Hyundai calls it quits and everyone is on the cards...

[skarderud]

I think several drivers without fulltime seats or wrc2 (Mikkelsen, Lappi, Solberg, etc), or drivers that don't deliver (Evans) looks to M-sport these days for next season, depends on money for most of them?
M-sport can run a 3 car team if someone can put in the money.

Sent fra min SM-S901B via Tapatalk

[Eli]

Looking good, hopefully will deliver: https://dirtfish.com/off-road/dakar/fords-dakar-2025-challenger-unveiled/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GS1k5gjXYAATtHi?format=jpg&name=medium

Sign him up Malcolm ! :D

[dupanton]

Sign him up Malcolm ! :D

For sure he is good in Latvia and similar countries. But what has he proven on tarmac for example? Or even other types of gravel rallies? Just a genuine question, maybe I missed something, didn't follow him closely before.

[denkimi]

Sesks'es performance makes me wonder how many other drivers there are out there who could challenge the big names but just never get the chance.
Looking at his rc2 results he doesn't look really look like a future champion, but he seems to have mastered the rc1 immediately.

[Tauri_J]

For sure he is good in Latvia and similar countries. But what has he proven on tarmac for example? Or even other types of gravel rallies? Just a genuine question, maybe I missed something, didn't follow him closely before.

Not taking anything away from him but he was totally lost in Estonia, where roads are not flat.

[WRCStan]

Sesks was not at the sharp end in Canaries (https://www.ewrc-results.com/entryinfo/85480-rally-islas-canarias-2024/3987468/). Altitude, attitude, tarmac, very technical... all the things Latvia isn't. I think he knows it.

[skarderud]

Sesks'es performance makes me wonder how many other drivers there are out there who could challenge the big names but just never get the chance.
Looking at his rc2 results he doesn't look really look like a future champion, but he seems to have mastered the rc1 immediately.Thats my biggest point against these cars, the lack of youngsters and local heros in rallies.
No, they can't win WDC, but they can spice up theire local rallies in a way we miss.
Much more exitment and good stories than the usual 8 drivers brings out.


Sent fra min SM-S901B via Tapatalk

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Not taking anything away from him but he was totally lost in Estonia, where roads are not flat.

He joked at first about not having the Rally1 downforce he had in the Puma, but there were real reasons too.

Firstly the Yaris having continual issues with the pop-off valve losing him power. Second getting hit by heavy rain when some others weren't. And thirdly a puncture & wheel change.

[saepuru]

He uses MRF tires in the ERC, the extent of impact is uncertain, yet it could potentially play a role.

[denkimi]

Thats my biggest point against these cars, the lack of youngsters and local heros in rallies.
No, they can't win WDC, but they can spice up theire local rallies in a way we miss.
Much more exitment and good stories than the usual 8 drivers brings out.

a lot of people claimed that the times were changed, that youngsters and one-off local drivers could never challenge the regulars. They have all been proven wrong by sesks now.

Maybe a lot more local people should get a chance. imagine if hyundai had hired sesks her instead of lappi.

[Morte66]

It is surely worth remembering that he had perfect road position today, on a day that was all about road position, on his home rally, with stages that suit him.

I don't think Rovanpera, Ogier, Neuville, Tanak, Evans or Formaux would have anything to fear over a full season. Katsuta, perhaps.

He's better than Munster. If Serderidis is feeling flush...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

It is surely worth remembering that he had perfect road position today, on a day that was all about road position, on his home rally, with stages that suit him.

I don't think Rovanpera, Ogier, Neuville, Tanak, Evans or Formaux would have anything to fear over a full season. Katsuta, perhaps.

He's better than Munster. If Serderidis is feeling flush...

Ok so some things were in his favour.

But remember this is only his 2nd event in a Rally1 car... and the first with the hybrid extra 130PS to learn how to use. Some of these guys have been driving these cars for 2.5 years !

[AndersX]

There are stories, that some time ago, around 2008-2009, in the first years of Pirelli Star Drive Mr. Vattanen had been sayind - they would be looking for pure and natural speed. Worth to note that in that year they chose Mr.Tanak.... What I want to say is that you can not learn the speed, but you can learn consistency and different surfaces. Martins definitely has the speed, plus seems that Puma simply suits him, what we can not say about Yaris R2. Last year he was super fast with Skoda, suddenly got slower with Yaris, but somehow miraculously got fast with Puma R1 again? What we should not do - overreact. With his drive, he has earned 1 or few rounds outside his natural habitat, e.g. some slow gravel rallies at first, i.e., i hope his sponsors will find the way how to put together part time season, some 4-5 events. We all know what has happened with Suninen, Solberg, Loubet and similar when they were given full seasons too early. Even Fourmaux is in the same boat - only with the second attempt. He got another chance after failing, but how many do not get that? So, lets be careful with what would like to see and just simply appreciate what Martins is doing now. I would be very surprised if he would be able to keep Ogier behind for another day.

[Morte66]

and the first with the hybrid extra 130PS to learn how to use. Some of these guys have been driving these cars for 2.5 years !
Yes, I'll certainly give you that. The way he seems as happy in the hybrid as the non-hybrid is noteworthy.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Rich Millener said today that they are looking to give more young drivers a foot in the door with a Rally1 drive.

I think that's mostly the WRC Promoter plus sponsors paying for it, but nice for M-Sport too to get extra coverage.

Plus it can make a great addition having other new faces creating a buzz at events they feel confident on.

[Backa]

a lot of people claimed that the times were changed, that youngsters and one-off local drivers could never challenge the regulars. They have all been proven wrong by sesks now.

Maybe a lot more local people should get a chance. imagine if hyundai had hired sesks her instead of lappi.

Sesks is 2023 ERC runner-up, who lost only to Paddon. Most countries hosting WRC rounds don't have local heros on that level.

One-offs for local drivers is cool idea but they wouldn't be challenging regulars too much. Look at Alberto Heller in Chile last year.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

A new behind-the-scenes documentary series coming soon from M-Sport...

https://www.wrc.com/a/news/w28444_Coming-Soon:-More-than-Machine

[Paul Hudson]

We have seen M-Sport and Hyundai doing this stuff for a couple of seasons, even Kalle is doing his own stuff behind the scenes, so nothing new, IT will be interesting to see what the WRC come up with !!!,

[saco0o]

msport sold a non hybrid rally1 to someone in indonesia - or something like this
SEE? REMOVE THE HYBRIDS! Hyundai is quitting anyway and RedBullMediaHouse is seeling the series, whatever. QUIT THE HYBRIDS!! NOOOOW

haha

[deephouse]

Or make it open for full ICE, Hybrids, and EVs.

[Managarium]

New side air intakes tasted in PET Acropolis 2024.

https://i.postimg.cc/t49MtxR2/456233414-1075451974379997-7301848274681024273-n.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[mknight]

I think those were tested earlier as well but not run on a rally yet.

[Managarium]

https://i.postimg.cc/J0b605N8/456457433-1076464947612033-3418571055117073345-n.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[Rallyest]

https://i.postimg.cc/J0b605N8/456457433-1076464947612033-3418571055117073345-n.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

So it looks something between Toyota's solution and Hyundais solution, not completely gone but not as big.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

More than Machine - David vs Goliath Ep1

https://youtu.be/8Yrb7T7_2ks?si=H2U4FD6v2GilK7IJ

A great watch for rally fans and hopefully will attract non-rally fans to the WRC.

[Sulland]

Is the price of the Non-Hybrid Puma known by anyone on the forum?

[Mackie]

Are these problems the reason for Fourmaux to leave Ford? And the fact that he voices them now him explaining his decision?

"]https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/whats-holding-fourmaux-back-at-m-sport/[/URL]

[Mackie]

Crap, the link... Think you will find it...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/whats-holding-fourmaux-back-at-m-sport/

Sounds like preparing the reasons for leaving... :(

[becher]

I find this a bit strange. Fourmaux only just came good and now he is acting a bit like one of the experienced top guys. I still find him likable, but I don't think he is yet in a position to talk the talk like that.

[Managarium]

M-Sport has again tested the longer and less prominent side air intake of the Ford Puma Rally1.
This alternative is used to reduce resistance to advancement and increase the top speed, probably we will see them in 2025.

https://i.postimg.cc/rFk31B5v/461734561-17930732546939805-1942048097841405167-n.jpg (https://postimg.cc/ThttGH79)

[Krigen]

I find this a bit strange. Fourmaux only just came good and now he is acting a bit like one of the experienced top guys. I still find him likable, but I don't think he is yet in a position to talk the talk like that.

Agreed ... Think he will get put in his place at Hyundai

[mknight]

Fourmaux has been talking like he is a world champion since at least 2021. However, that is quite common for French guys - not a criticism, just the culture is much more like that.

That said he has not had anyone in the team that is on at least similar level since 2022. The when Sesks drove an was immediately at his level in Poland and faster in Latvia, you have to wonder how good Fourmaux actually is vs others in same car.

[AE1WRC]

I know that Fourmaux is the most improved driver this season and I like his personality but come on man he is acting like he the real deal. Just one good season does not make him great. If this was Tanak, Ogier or Rovanpera (the dudes who don't have to prove anything since they already did) than there would be zero misunderstanding.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Which quotes from Fourmaux are you guys referring to ?

[CeskyOndra]

Which quotes from Fourmaux are you guys referring to ?

I also dont know what are they talking about..

[doubled1978]

I also dont know what are they talking about..

Likewise, in the DirtFish article he just said that the engine is missing something which is common knowledge, certainly with people following the sport and he said it’s frustrating that they have developments ready but have been financially unable to put them on the car. Again, for anyone following rallying, that MSport aren’t financially flush is hardly news.

[deephouse]

So updates are ready and can't put them on car. So what.. do they cost 500 grand or what?

[macebig]

You can't homologate whenever and whatever you want. Rules are clear on the matter. Same reason Hyundai is keeping the admittedly rushed 2022 design of the i20 and slowly homologating new parts to fix the car.

[mknight]

You should read between the lines.

The whole article is written in a way that suggest that Puma upgraders/money is the (main) thing that's keeping Fourmaux down from winning.

People see that as a bit of a stretch or over-simplification given than Fourmax has not shown he can fight with the top 5 over more than a few stages before and his record in top class vs teammates with proven skill (Loeb, Breen) is not great either. So maybe there might be some potential for improvement between the wheel and the seat too.

But off course it is not Fourmaux that wrote the article.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

He may not be at the elite level of the top 5 drivers yet, but that doesn't mean he cant complain if the car he's using isnt as good as theirs. All drivers, even World Champions, want the best car too.

[bluuford]

So updates are ready and can't put them on car. So what.. do they cost 500 grand or what?

Homologation costs indeed, and a lot, If I remember correctly, it was near 100 grand.

[saco0o]

any infos on which car Fourmaux is running in the rally legend? saw some people asking him. its the Puma, of course, but i doubt its the hybrid car. i doubt they are even carrying it on that car. probably no hybrids and no 100kg ballast? really curious

[TypeR]

any infos on which car Fourmaux is running in the rally legend? saw some people asking him. its the Puma, of course, but i doubt its the hybrid car. i doubt they are even carrying it on that car. probably no hybrids and no 100kg ballast? really curious
By licence plate it's their test car and green hybrid lights are on.. so it should be proper rally1 (I believe they take it as a PET also).

Without battery or ballast the car would be undriveable..

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Fourmaux on his 2024 season of progress with M-Sport:

https://rallyjournal.com/has-the-wrc-sensation-raced-his-last-event-with-ford-ive-learned-to-be-more-selfish/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Looks like M-Sport will be first again with a new (Puma) Rally2 car, if the new Regs confirm a spaceframe chassis...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/m-sport-ready-to-build-puma-rally2-subject-to-fia-change/

[MikeD]

For those of you who are into Rally fotos, I am now done with my first 3 full WRC foto collections, and the are put up on Flickr:

The full Ford WRC collection 1973-2024 is here on the Flickr link below:
It's 82 pages with 5 cars per page, all setup nicely + with the results for the Manufacturer entries. The Ford Rally cars were Group 4/3 and later on Group A8 and then Group WRC.
https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBPWaN

The next one I have done is for Hyundai WRC, which is smaller than the Ford collection - it's currently only 6 pages:
https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBSYva

The next one I have done is for SEAT WRC, which of course is much smaller - it's only 2 pages:
https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBLkyQ

... I am currently working on the Toyota WRC history, then the Peugeot WRC history and the Citroën WRC history and they should me ready soon.

The MotoGP collection is Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Ducati, Kawasaki, KTM, Aprilia and Cagiva.

PS: I hope somebody will take over these WRC collections, as I make the the rest of the WRC brands ... (Lancia, Mitsubishi, Opel, Skoda, Alpine-Renault, Renault, Subaru, BMW, VW Volksvagen etc. as I am at a hospice now dying of cancer.

If you want to take over and continue to build of these foto collections, you can write me at GP2journalist@gmail.com.

PS: I used to work as a journalist for the GP2 series before it became Formula 2, but my passion became bigger and bigger for WRC and MotoGP, which, I know, is a weird combo :-).

[Dimitris]

That's so cool, great job

[MikeD]

That's so cool, great job

Thank you :)

[saco0o]

i never remember if thats old newe but sesks appeared on some random video with a redbull hat. hope that means a msport seat hehe

[sindroms]

i never remember if thats old newe but sesks appeared on some random video with a redbull hat. hope that means a msport seat hehe

No it doesn't mean anything. He is Red Bull [supported]Latvia athlete for years and there is some deal for sure. But there is no connection between it and Red Bull logo on Ford.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The new Ford Puma Gen-E was launched today. An article I read stated that:

"Build will only be for three years as the second generation is due in 2027. That model should be electric-only."

If this is true, any possible Puma Rally2 (under 2027 Regs) will surely have to be fully electric for M-Sport to get backing from Ford.

[BobJones]

The new Ford Puma Gen-E was launched today. An article I read stated that:

"Build will only be for three years as the second generation is due in 2027. That model should be electric-only."

If this is true, any possible Puma Rally2 (under 2027 Regs) will surely have to be fully electric for M-Sport to get backing from Ford.

Very true.

But as Rally2 is predominately a customer-focused ruleset, and business, M-Sport could hopefully be allowed to turn the current Puma into a Rally2-style car say in '25/'26 and then run/evolve that for several years later.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Very true.

But as Rally2 is predominately a customer-focused ruleset, and business, M-Sport could hopefully be allowed to turn the current Puma into a Rally2-style car say in '25/'26 and then run/evolve that for several years later.

From what Rich Millener said about the Puma Rally2 having to use a spaceframe chassis, the new Regs allowing this arent going to start until 2027.

[Andre Oliveira]

Rally1 and Rally2 will be Puma.
What about the Rally3/4/5 ?

[deephouse]

Rally1 and Rally2 will be Puma.
What about the Rally3/4/5 ?

If Ford will not back them soon fully, they should reconsider to try involve some other manufacturer into business, since the manufacter really don't care, have no more viable cars in portfolio and also doen't intend to making it anymore in the future. Maybe MG, since they have still various models to offer, it's partly british and have herritage in rallying. Wilson did drive famous Metro also, so have some connections to that brand.

But the problem is that the future will bring those crossovers anyway in rallying since brands will be doing just those types of cars. If Mini and Suzuki do the job previously, even M-Sport could do it without all that space-frame non-sense.

[Jarek Z]

Is this true?
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1104133128388280&set=a.489263486541917

[Danny0405]

Is this true?
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1104133128388280&set=a.489263486541917

At least, except Gryazin, all these names were already on the rumors.
Munster full-time would be no surprise, i don’t think he has enough potential but Serderidis has said he is keeping support so he will be there.

Sesks is interesting, at least for fast gravel and it’ s clearly the plan since his Poland/Latvia outings, only question pending is how much can he obtain so it will answer how much rallies he will have.

Don’t see the point for Rossel to do only 3 tarmac events… yes, he is better on tarmac but we know it’s difficult to show good result on tarmac immediatly for youngster (no road position advantage)
For me, a shared car with Sesks would make more sense - but money issue is there also and Citroën future program, even in WRC-2, is not clear.
A bit worried if it’s only 3 tarmac rounds that it finishes like Tidemand’s stints.

Some rumors on Turkkan indeed for a full-paying pair of rallies, he has shown some good speed in J-WRC but at the moment with his level of experience, he would just be a paying driver.

No rumor so far on Gryazin but with his backing and his season, would not be a huge surprise that he tries… however, the fact that he is Russian could be an issue with other sponsorship and not sure M-Sport can afford this level of risk.
Also, Gryazin is doing Monza with a Skoda, surprising for a Citroen driver.

A bit of rumors also on Zaldivar, maybe for the Chile-Paraguay stint.

[saco0o]

i like all these fellas, but i also like msport so thats kinda bad, cuz I wish they had a guy to fight a little bit more. i know its not pratical against two factory teams but fourmaux did an awesome job and i wish we could have another year of a msport always up there. rotating younger drivers will not be effective. it tells stories, but not the complete underdog story. but eh, i like all these drivers! go go go

[AndersX]

Unless M-Sport pulls out of their sleeve some totally "under the radar" move, i agree on above that their 2025 line-up will be Munster full time plus a pool of part-timers. All paying, thus giving M-Sport breathing and budget to develop R2 and R1 2027 cars. I think the Next 2 seasons for M-Sport will be run under the light of extensive investments into 2027 models with the aim to sell many R2 cars.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

It's such a pity that the clash of sponsors seems to rule out Oliver Solberg. He is probably the best replacement available to give M-Sport a chance of some podiums next year.

[deephouse]

It's such a pity that the clash of sponsors seems to rule out Oliver Solberg. He is probably the best replacement available to give M-Sport a chance of some podiums next year.

Maybe those are considered for 3rd/4th car sharing. And Oliver will get the number 1. You know that Munster will not keep up, all this part-timers will beat him every time.

[Krigen]

They should have Mikkelsen and Lappi. maybe even Sunninen

[WRC1]

They should have Mikkelsen and Lappi. maybe even Sunninen


Lappi and Sunninen! Yes, why not, but Mikkelsen? I think he showed very clearly this year that Rally1 is not the right place for him...

[macebig]

Suninen is dead in the water and Lappi would rather agree on sharing the 4th Hyundai with Sordo than return to Ford. Mikkelsen may be considered since they already had talks for this year.

[skarderud]

Lappi and Sunninen! Yes, why not, but Mikkelsen? I think he showed very clearly this year that Rally1 is not the right place for him...Mikkelsen had good pace on gravel when he got a chance, and quite good at sunday in Japan, the other tarmac-session was bad, but that was the car also.
Lappi hasn't shown anything better in my eyes, but what is the driver and what is the car?

I've wanted to see both of them in a other car, to see if that do any difference. Munster is clearly not a No1 driver, so M-sport has to make a deal with some driver(s) with speed.

Sent fra min SM-S901B via Tapatalk

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I wonder if Rossel can get some funding together and support from the FFSA ? He seems like the next French driver off their production line and M.Wilson has successfully taken quite a few of them over the years...

[AndersX]

Suninen is dead in the water and Lappi would rather agree on sharing the 4th Hyundai with Sordo than return to Ford. Mikkelsen may be considered since they already had talks for this year.

Suninen has the same manager as Kankunen; i would be very surprised if they would not figure out smth. I still do not get how had he managed to fall in to the basement with his carrier. He was a guy with big potential. I think the bridge to M-Sport is burned by him. All who mention Lappi - he has said 101 times - he does not want to drive full season. Plus, all his latest crashes were expensive. I doubt M-Sport would be ready to risk with that. I still think the potential pot of drivers around M-Sport for 2025 consist of Munster, Sesks, Solberg, Grazin, Rosell. But i would not be surprised if Virves flows up or may be even McErlean or some of the fast Italians from ERC. I think the pool of young and high ceiling guys in lower cats is as big as it has been for years.

[Danny0405]

- Suninen has tested the Yaris Rally2 some weeks ago - some rumors about replacing Pajari in Printsport WRC-2 program but Solberg is also evoked for this drive (+ some outings in Rally1 when Ogier is not there).

- Virves has clearly been evoked as a candidate for some promotor-backed outings in Rally1 next year (same than Sesks in 2024)… but the spirit of this system is more about a pair of outings, not even a part-time program

- I wouldn’t discard indeed the Irish guys because the Federation has plenty of money (McErlean being the only one being a bit close)

- don’t believe for the moment about the young Italians, the money gap is too big

[AndersX]

Dirtfish: " But Oliver Solberg won’t rally a Puma, as he announced on Monday morning that he’ll be competing in WRC2 in a Printsport Toyota GR Yaris Rally2"

Though, no references to this anywhere else yet. Maybe Luke refers to US time zone morning?

[macebig]

Solberg was never on the cards. He wouldn't drop Monster and the family is set on chasing a Toyota seat.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Lack of Ford backing was behind Fourmaux leaving M-Sport (he states...)

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/the-reality-behind-fourmauxs-m-sport-departure/

[rallyfiend]

Lack of Ford backing was behind Fourmaux leaving M-Sport (he states...)

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/the-reality-behind-fourmauxs-m-sport-departure/

Well, if you read the actual quotes without the spin, it was money.....

[Fast Eddie WRC]

“I think the story would have been really nice to get my first victory and maybe fight for a championship with them again,” he said. “You know, to finish the story from where it starts to where it should finish.

“But at the end, we need some support from Ford, so I think this is the right move.”

[deephouse]

It's clear that Adrien is/was their business model, as many were before. They sell him and will continue to develop drivers to the main teams. At the end, he was too good, and Malcolm politely say to him, goodbye.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

It sounds to me like if Ford had provided more money for developing the Puma then M-Sport might've had the chance to keep Fourmaux.

Also Malcolm Wilson will pay a top driver (Ogier, Tanak) and ones getting close (Breen), so he may have done the same with Fourmaux.

[deephouse]

It sounds to me like if Ford had provided more money for developing the Puma then M-Sport might've had the chance to keep Fourmaux.

Also Malcolm Wilson will pay a top driver (Ogier, Tanak) and ones getting close (Breen), so he may have done the same with Fourmaux.

Yeah but I think that Wilson is willing to pay only for top tier drivers, like Ogier or Tanak, those who can actualy win the title or at least fight for it. Adrien isn't on that level yet. Be instantly raise his value but still not high enough that he could match that level. He got offer from other teams and that's it. Job done. It's a business model. No matter how the cards are turned or what they say. It was objective from the start and they done it. Next one please.

[Jarek Z]

Is it anything interesting?
Ford Escort and RS200 to return in 2025. More details on 12 December.

https://www.evo.co.uk/ford/ford-escort/207442/original-ford-escort-returning-in-2025-as-reborn-classic

[Danny0405]

According to Belgian guys (Olivier de Wilde, Paul Fraikin, quite efficient in silly season rumors in last 12 months, no Gryazin to M-Sport as he would sign with Toksport.

And it could be Josh McErlean the additional guy in M-Sport line-up… would not be a huge surprise considering how much Irish Federation is spending in rallying.

[AndersX]

This rounds all down to Munster, Sesks, Rusell and some surprises we are missing on. McErlean would be cool, though. His driving in ERC had very good signs of natural speed.

Interesting, what is the "pay-per-drive" cost in M-Sport, e.g., how much costs Munsters season for his supporters? In comparisson, they say that a season in F3, good team, is 2-3mil Eur. Could be that 1x WRC event for potential youngster would cost in the range of 150K?

[PLuto]

Could be that 1x WRC event for potential youngster would cost in the range of 150K?

Are you joking? :)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

This rounds all down to Munster, Sesks, Rusell and some surprises we are missing on. McErlean would be cool, though. His driving in ERC had very good signs of natural speed.

Interesting, what is the "pay-per-drive" cost in M-Sport, e.g., how much costs Munsters season for his supporters? In comparisson, they say that a season in F3, good team, is 2-3mil Eur. Could be that 1x WRC event for potential youngster would cost in the range of 150K?

John Coyne could be the 'Serderidis' for McErlean. Although I think he would rather spread his money across all the Irish Rally Academy drivers.

[saco0o]

Is it anything interesting?
Ford Escort and RS200 to return in 2025. More details on 12 December.

https://www.evo.co.uk/ford/ford-escort/207442/original-ford-escort-returning-in-2025-as-reborn-classic

thats interesting! not ford "doing it" tho. and tbh i have this thing where I HATE modern cars and suvs, but i support road cars going hybrid, electric. just build evs on those cool old school cars designs! imagine walking around your city, seeing these rad designs on the streets? that should be A LAW haha want to build cars? they cant be this ugly suv comon design, they gotta be like old race cars

[jcevc]

This rounds all down to Munster, Sesks, Rusell and some surprises we are missing on. McErlean would be cool, though. His driving in ERC had very good signs of natural speed.

Interesting, what is the "pay-per-drive" cost in M-Sport, e.g., how much costs Munsters season for his supporters? In comparisson, they say that a season in F3, good team, is 2-3mil Eur. Could be that 1x WRC event for potential youngster would cost in the range of 150K?

AFAIK is the price for WRC rally with rally1 car 300k or more (for sure depends tarmac/gravel etc) - and MSport is cheaper than TGR - unofficial haha.

[AndersX]

AFAIK is the price for WRC rally with rally1 car 300k or more (for sure depends tarmac/gravel etc) - and MSport is cheaper than TGR - unofficial haha.

Do you want to say that Serenidis is investing in Munster more than 3 mil per year? That is F1 potential driver level.

[deephouse]

Just watched more than machine series latest episode. Doesn't reveal anything just that Sesks is potential candidate for a full seat. Oh, it's just about Chile and nothing more. At the end it's mentioned by Adrien that at this point he still didn't get any offer from M-Sport.

[TypeR]

Just watched more than machine series latest episode. Doesn't reveal anything just that Sesks is potential candidate for a full seat. Oh, it's just about Chile and nothing more. At the end it's mentioned by Adrien that at this point he still didn't get any offer from M-Sport.
Wilson is a businessman and as there are many paydrivers in line for a seat, maybe it was more profitable to let Fourmaux sign Hyundai(and getting some % back like it has been said for years).

[Jarek Z]

thats interesting! not ford "doing it" tho. and tbh i have this thing where I HATE modern cars and suvs, but i support road cars going hybrid, electric. just build evs on those cool old school cars designs! imagine walking around your city, seeing these rad designs on the streets? that should be A LAW haha want to build cars? they cant be this ugly suv comon design, they gotta be like old race cars

Yes! You have my vote mate :)

It looks good, doesn't it? :)
https://www.topgear.com/car-news/first-look/296bhp-10000rpm-800kg-mk1-ford-escort-rs-back

[denkimi]

Do you want to say that Serenidis is investing in Munster more than 3 mil per year? That is F1 potential driver level.
I assume there are also other sponsors. But yes, a full season with m-sport will probably cost more than 3 million per year.

[Steve Boyd]

It looks good, doesn't it? :)
https://www.topgear.com/car-news/first-look/296bhp-10000rpm-800kg-mk1-ford-escort-rs-backYes and only £295000. :eek:
I think I'll have to order two!

[Co-driven]

AFAIK is the price for WRC rally with rally1 car 300k or more (for sure depends tarmac/gravel etc) - and MSport is cheaper than TGR - unofficial haha.

Yes, I have also heard that one overseas event (which is a bit more expensive) was around €300k with Puma.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Yes and only £295000. :eek:
I think I'll have to order two!

Here you go... win an original Mk1 Mexico for just 29p ! ;)

https://llfgames.com/competition/mk1-ford-escort-mexico/?utm_source=meta_paid&utm_campaign=1974_mk1_ford_escort&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0BMABhZGlkAasXQlXuvx4BHUF1uuVXJ KToKm88lZheMsDIZ61FPvMP39CTXIdr7lCJ0fPy-dLHEskrfw_aem_xyVH7HBfD1gkGF8SsezvvA&utm_medium=paid&utm_id=120215387887370350&utm_content=120215388707340350&utm_term=120215388707350350

[Steve Boyd]

Wish I still had my Mk1 RS2000!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

A rare insight of how it feels to drive the Rally1 Hybrid Puma...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/the-rare-clubman-chance-to-sample-rally1-life/

[AndersX]

Well, with this preparation and timing M-Sport will be back in level similar to the year when they did not even run PETs; i think it was the season it went sour with Sunninen. The only difference is that M-Sport has data from 3 events with non-hybrid car, but still that can not be used 100% as they were ought to use ballast.

[EstWRC]

Munster confirmed

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/munster-to-lead-m-sport-in-2025-wrc-season/

[djip]

Munster confirmed

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/munster-to-lead-m-sport-in-2025-wrc-season/

He's indeed a nice fella and showed signs of progress by year end, but having him lead the team is a stretch, to say the least. Unless they pull out an outstanding second driver from nowhere, this definitely looks like a "survival year" for MSport ...

[Krigen]

He's indeed a nice fella and showed signs of progress by year end, but having him lead the team is a stretch, to say the least. Unless they pull out an outstanding second driver from nowhere, this definitely looks like a "survival year" for MSport ...

They ptobably come up with Greensmith or Loubet.. But lets hope for Sesks, Mikkelsen or Lappi

[EstWRC]

They ptobably come up with Greensmith or Loubet.. But lets hope for Sesks, Mikkelsen or Lappi

According to Dirtfish the second driver will be announced tomorrow

[AE1WRC]

They ptobably come up with Greensmith or Loubet.. But lets hope for Sesks, Mikkelsen or Lappi

If you read the article of Dirtfish, M-sport said "another promising junior crew". Therefore, from this statement, IMO it is unlikely Mikkelsen or Lappi. It is either Sesks or Turkkan (I know it is a long shot but that was the first name came to my mind when I saw the word junior and given the connections with his team Castrol Ford Team Turkey and M-sport and in addition his recent test with Rally1 in UK).

However, I dont think Turkkan will be doing a full season (instead I think, there will be some rallies in Rally1 next year for him and most of the season will still be in JWRC or WRC3)

[saco0o]

ah mate, no oli, no sesks (probably). that sucks :(
wrc2 to be cool then, but so little coverage. is rallyTV doing the half hour wrc2 highlights still??

[archie106]

I wonder if it will be Josh McErlean or Jon Armstrong. Both have backing from Motorsport Ireland, and both were present in Japan with Instagram posts talking about "good experience for the future" or similar. I could definitely see one of them taking the seat, and either would be better than Munster.

[Rallyper]

Well, it seems next announcement (tomorrow?) will be bigger surprise than Munster. That´s why he was allowed to have this day in the limelight alone, going out first in the presentations.

[AndersX]

Well, it seems next announcement (tomorrow?) will be bigger surprise than Munster. That´s why he was allowed to have this day in the limelight alone, going out first in the presentations.

Somebody is flying under the radar. 😁

[focus206]

Turkkan has barely any R5/Rally2 experience. 6 rallies with Fiesta R5 in 2022, 1 rally with Fiesta Rally2 in 2024, for the rest of the past 2 years he drove Fiesta Rally3.
Is he really going for Rally1 without even a single season on Rally2? He probably can, money wise, but I don't know if he should.
https://www.ewrc-results.com/profile/209578-ali-turkkan/

I hope the second seat will be given to Sesks, but I think Armstrong has a chance, for many years he's been works driver of M-Sport in lower classes.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

If the money can be found, then it has to be Sesks after his heroics this year and experience with the Rally1 Puma.

Otherwise the Irish Rally Academy could put a big investment into one of their guys, probably McErlean.

[saco0o]

what bout those talks about a F1 driver testing msport cars in secret? wasnt that a rumor for a few hours during this year? bottas even said it wasnt him somewhere...

[Steve Boyd]

what bout those talks about a F1 driver testing msport cars in secret?Somehow, I don't think Checo Perez qualifies as "another promising junior crew" - even if it was him in the test!

[deephouse]

McErlean is officialy announced as second driver at M-Sport for 2025

[EstWRC]

Is this the weakest lineup ever they have had?

Oh boy gonna feel them for next year

[AndersX]

Well, must admit I did not expect McErlean to get full season, but reading bits and pieces on Irelands Academy ambitions and funding, one could expect this to happen. History shows that getting full season with M-Sport without any experience is rather risky business - you must perform, not-crash and commit to the driver financially for several years - Camilli, Greensmith, Sunninen etc. The jump from R2 to R1 is too big in everything.

If Sesks still gets some drive, it will be less pressure for him to perform at his max, not just roll till finish at 6th place.

[deephouse]

Is this the weakest lineup ever they have had?

Oh boy gonna feel them for next year

Don't forget they still have Serderidis as back up plan

[Andre Oliveira]

People: we need new blood on rallies, mainly in Rally1.
People too: oh no, not that new...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://www.m-sport.co.uk/single-post/m-sport-and-mcerlean-join-forces-for-rally1-campaign-in-2025

[TypeR]

Super chance for him, but full season is quite a surprise..

[Andre Oliveira]

Good. He will learn with time. Not the pressure of doing all right in less rallies.

[rp]

Nice experience for Josh, but there is no sense! He showed at least some speed in WRC2 this year, but should have been at least one more season driving Rally2. Now he is learning at the same time Rally1 and new events and it will be very difficult.

[Andre Oliveira]

At least, he already won a WRC stage. :D

https://www.ewrc-results.com/results/73360-vodafone-rally-de-portugal-2022/?s=351638&sct=1

[Doon]

Is this the weakest lineup ever they have had?

Oh boy gonna feel them for next year

It’s the weakest line up any team has ever had.

[deephouse]

I really thought it would be Sesks, but I assume it was again money. Both drivers have enough backing to "outperform" Sesks in funding race. But it would be shame if both drivers would never reach more than 5th place (as I seriously believe). Don't know why, but wouldn't be next year championship way cheaper for M-Sport without Hybrid? If it's one more round excuse for that, they should skip Saudi. Maybe they lost RedBull backing, since this company almost always appears on winning teams and drivers.

[Rallyper]

Let´s be positive and hope both drivers gain experience.

I´ve been following this sport for decades and seen many drivers come and go.

One thing is for sure, it takes time to be top speed driver (there´s been exceptions) and both Munster and McErlean might as well fulfill expectations over time.

But, hey, not in RMC 2025...

[deephouse]

Let´s be positive and hope both drivers gain experience.

I´ve been following this sport for decades and seen many drivers come and go.

One thing is for sure, it takes time to be top speed driver (there´s been exceptions) and both Munster and McErlean might as well fulfill expectations over time.

But, hey, not in RMC 2025...

Of course I agree. But giving another season to Munster at the top level is a complete non-sense. All previous young talents had been given one year at the top then demoted to lower category, and they came back very strong. But the team keep talking how good Munster is, but he isn't. Either he is slow (and make way to 5th place by many guys crash infront-years behind in time) or he bin it completely. I agree it take time to develop, but there are drivers who could achieve much more in way less time (believe me it would be cheaper). But M-Sport is in business mode and they are realistic they can't achieve anything special rather than develop drivers and then sell it to bigger teams.

[Doon]

Let’s not kid ourselves about the quality or development of the chosen drivers. M-Sport have them paying to keep the Rally 1 project afloat. I hope both drivers can be competitive, but let’s be honest we can all name plenty of quicker drivers with far more potential than both.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

This confirms how Rally1 was the wrong way to go if you want good numbers in WRC1 competition. Costs are just way too high for anyone except the big Manufacturer teams and those with huge personal or national MSA backing. Hopefully the 2027 Regs will allow for more gifted drivers to be able to compete at the top level.

In the meantime we need the Promoter to step in again and fund some extra Rally1 drives.

[AE1WRC]

It’s the weakest line up any team has ever had.

2005 Ford team: Toni Gardemaister and Roman Kresta

This line up was also one of the weakest but credit to Toni, he had a good season (even exceed the expectations)

[focus206]

I hope Sesks will get few rounds in a 3rd Puma. But to grow, he'd need a nice full season in WRC2 where he can learn on asphalt and slower gravel rallies.

[doubled1978]

2005 Ford team: Toni Gardemaister and Roman Kresta

This line up was also one of the weakest but credit to Toni, he had a good season (even exceed the expectations)

I thought Toni was really unlucky to end up out of a drive after 2005. He was never going to be a team number 1, but he would have been a good 2 or 3 in any team in my view.

[doubled1978]

Well Josh came right out of left field, I didn’t see that coming! If it is too early, time will tell, but he has the seat, so it’s up to him to use it now. Good luck to him.

I hope too that Sesks can get some drives as he has shown that he is worth that. Can they put a WRC2 season with a few WRC1 drives together?

[EstWRC]

2005 Ford team: Toni Gardemaister and Roman Kresta

This line up was also one of the weakest but credit to Toni, he had a good season (even exceed the expectations)

this was better, Gardemeister was a decent driver compared to Munster and Mcerlean

Look, i have nothing against those drivers but M-sport is my favourite team and im just sad to see such a weak line-up for them and another survival year.

But its been like that and will be like that, what can you do

[Backa]

2005 Ford team: Toni Gardemaister and Roman Kresta

This line up was also one of the weakest but credit to Toni, he had a good season (even exceed the expectations)

Some people here knew 2000s drivers much better than me but I think Toni was not that bad driver but unlucky with usually getting underperforming cars.

I am happy for McErlean, I think he has more potential than Munster to have long and solid WRC career. Solberg and then Sesks would be preferred choices in a vacuum but seems M-Sport just needs to survive season before costs will be decreased in 2027. Reminds me of Haas in F1 deciding to put Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin in their seats some years ago.

Kinda dissapointed in Latvian business not doing more to give Sesks a seat. Would be also interesting for Orlen (polish oil company involved in Latvian market) to buy a seat to share between Sesks mostly on fast gravel and Marczyk mostly on tarmac. That would be cool concept, more cool than sponsoring dinosaurs like Kajetanowicz and Martin Prokop.

[macebig]

There will definitely be a 3rd Puma in most (if not all rounds). Sesks will get some rounds on fast gravel.

[Jarek Z]

2005 Ford team: Toni Gardemaister and Roman Kresta

This line up was also one of the weakest

...but only until today.

It's hard to even compare Munster and McErlean with Gardemaister and Kresta. Gardemeister was a former works driver for Seat and Skoda. He had several top 5 finishes in WRC, including 3rd place in New Zealand 1999. Kresta was 2 times Czech champion and also former works driver for Skoda.
Whereas Munster and McErlean have what achievements?

But I wish them both good luck and to M-Sport Ford, too, of course.

[Jarek Z]

This confirms how Rally1 was the wrong way to go if you want good numbers in WRC1 competition. Costs are just way too high for anyone except the big Manufacturer teams and those with huge personal or national MSA backing.

Exactly. This Ford lineup is the perfect argument against all those people who still say that Rally1 should stay.

[denkimi]

People: we need new blood on rallies, mainly in Rally1.
People too: oh no, not that new...
We need new top drivers, not rich kids.

While we have drivers like solberg, gryazin or rossel available, we have 2 rich kids without decent track record taking the best seats.

M-sport has become a full pay to arrive and drive team, they aren't even trying anymore.

[AE1WRC]

this was better, Gardemeister was a decent driver compared to Munster and Mcerlean


Even in 2006 when Toni was driving part time in Xsara (and 307), his performance was quite good (I mean not on Gronholm and Loeb level but he was right up there in terms of pace with likes of Sordo Hirvonen and Solberg).

[AE1WRC]

we need new top drivers, not rich kids.

While we have drivers like solberg, gryazin or rossel available, we have 2 rich kids without decent track record taking the best seats.

M-sport has become a full pay to arrive and drive team, they aren't even trying anymore.

spot on !!!

[AE1WRC]

...but only until today.

It's hard to even compare Munster and McErlean with Gardemaister and Kresta. Gardemeister was a former works driver for Seat and Skoda. He had several top 5 finishes in WRC, including 3rd place in New Zealand 1999. Kresta was 2 times Czech champion and also former works driver for Skoda.
Whereas Munster and McErlean have what achievements?

But I wish them both good luck and to M-Sport Ford, too, of course.


Kresta was a tarmac specialist. However, in most of the tarmac rounds Toni was performing level with him (sometimes even better). I also get that in that season Focus 04 was stopped developing and the team was focusing on the new car for 2006 (despite this Toni had some nice podiums)

Kresta's performance throughout the whole season was the main reason I said one of the weakest lineups but since Toni performed good, I would say 2025 lineup is the weakest.

[rallyfiend]

We need new top drivers, not rich kids.

While we have drivers like solberg, gryazin or rossel available, we have 2 rich kids without decent track record taking the best seats.

M-sport has become a full pay to arrive and drive team, they aren't even trying anymore.

you do realise Solberg, Gryazin and Rossel are all manufacturer-funded drivers....?

[AE1WRC]

I hope Sesks will get few rounds in a 3rd Puma. But to grow, he'd need a nice full season in WRC2 where he can learn on asphalt and slower gravel rallies.

Exactly 100% agree. When Sesks had those two good rallies people on social media were literally calling him "the future champ" or "put him next season full time, he'll win all". I don't want to call him overrated because he has a potential (key word) to be a top-level driver but he has to perform like you said on tarmac and technical gravel rounds. We saw how he struggled in Chile (of course he had puncture but still). He also needs perform good in new events , making brand new pacenotes (see how Kalle developed himself for making new notes and performing excellent in new events.)

The latter is necessary in order to be a champion in my opinion.

[Typ85]

We need new top drivers, not rich kids.

While we have drivers like solberg, gryazin or rossel available, we have 2 rich kids without decent track record taking the best seats.

M-sport has become a full pay to arrive and drive team, they aren't even trying anymore.

We need Top drivers in the main class of World championship, no matter how they are old..
Meeke, Loeb, Paddon, Solberg, Sesks, Gryazin, Virves..
Its not good for the sport also to give seats in the main class to everyone who has money.. How does it look from a side view? Not like a world championship.
And what about Ford, do they need such an anti-advertising?
MSport was also my favorite team for years, was... Now they become just a village team of rich nobodys.. very sad.

[saco0o]

We need Top drivers in the main class of World championship, no matter how they are old..
Meeke, Loeb, Paddon, Solberg, Sesks, Gryazin, Virves..
Its not good for the sport also to give seats in the main class to everyone who has money.. How does it look from a side view? Not like a world championship.
.

Y.E.S.
i hope 27' cheaper cars can fix that for teams & privateers AND manufacturers with the open engine/car model thing too.

[Backa]

Its not good for the sport also to give seats in the main class to everyone who has money.. How does it look from a side view? Not like a world championship.


Is McErlean even that rich or is simply most promising driver among Irish ones, where funding is decent?

Motorsport was always full of rich people, nothing new here. Cheaper cars would not stop rich people of joining main class, it will just allow some less rich but talented drivers to join it too.

[saco0o]

hmmmm redbull selling the promoter, mcerlean presentation with no redbull logos (at least i havent seen on the pictures?). is redbull backing munster's car or its just serderidis putting the money? is msport that screwed without them?

[archie106]

All of the negative comments towards MSport and McErlean are really uncalled for.

There will always be some drivers with more budget than others - look at Stroll/Latifi/many others in F1 over the years. Hell, I'm pretty sure Latvala started out as a pay driver before being picked up by MSport in the WRC.

MSport have a choice between fielding drivers who bring money, or no drivers at all. I know which I would prefer. Sesks and possibly others will likely have part time programs as well depending on budget.

McErlean has shown good pace at times this year and was very close to taking a WRC2 win - he isn't a 'gentleman driver' who will just pootle round at the back, but it may take some events to build pace. I can see him getting some decent results towards the end of the year.

Edit - this post is partly directed at all the hate comments on Facebook

[rallyfiend]

Well put.

but all this logic applied by the haters, we wouldn't have had Loeb, Ogier etc who were all HEAVILY funded by their ASN's and pushed up the chain for a period of time based on money....

[Typ85]

Is McErlean even that rich or is simply most promising driver among Irish ones, where funding is decent?

Motorsport was always full of rich people, nothing new here. Cheaper cars would not stop rich people of joining main class, it will just allow some less rich but talented drivers to join it too.

But Meeke is also Irish. And a lot faster. Just checked, McErlean has newer won an international event. Also in rally2 class.. just one podium in his career in Portugal, is that really enough? Yes he is young, and maybe gets faster but cmon, thats bullsh*t...

[Sulland]

I will give McErlan a chance to prove himself in a RC1 car.
He has not proved himself as a ragular top contender in RC2, but he is still a young man.

Lets see after half a season, if he was pushed up too early.

[Jarek Z]

McErlean has shown good pace at times this year and was very close to taking a WRC2 win

Come on! Kajto is 45 years old and he beat McErlean in every single rally this year:
https://www.wrc.com/result-and-standings?menu=championshipStandingComponent&season=28&championship=2024_wrc2&lang=en

[archie106]

Sure, I'm not saying McErlean will be world champion next year, I'm saying give him a chance.

Also Kajto is a 3 time ERC champion. Loeb won Monte Carlo at 48 so I'm not sure the relevance of Kajtos age when he has a lot of experience.

[Backa]

But Meeke is also Irish. And a lot faster.

And not promising. McErlean was 9th in WRC2 and among 8 drivers that beat him, only Pajari and Solberg were younger.

There is quite crazy coincidence, Craig Breen as 25 years old driver was 9th in WRC2 and among 8 drivers that beat him, only Lappi and Tidemand were younger.

[AndersX]

I think that majority here is not actually disappointed for the fact that McErlean got a chance, but more about how it is all happening and what is the situation around it. But, i suggest to read provided Press Release carefully and you will find extensive references to John Coyne, founder and patron of Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy.

- this clearly looks like a real national project with very patriotic and burning for the national rally Irishman behind it. It also looks like a good build-up for WRC return to Ireland, latest 2026. There are means, heart and purpose.

- McErlean attracted attention few years ago in ERC. He was setting interesting times on fast gravel, even he had grown up on twisty tarmac. He was on rise, but main problem - could not pull together excellent results. But, he clearly is one of the Next Gen guys with high ceiling, if he will be able to cope with given challenge. He has natural speed to be fast and be at least faster than his teammate.

- What is wrong in all this - he is thrown into the cold open seas to participate in Iron Man even he had been swimming only in the pool, shorter distances. As we have seen in the past, there are guys, who simply can not cope psychologically with the big jump - cars have different physics, they cost million, every scratch costs, every mistake is scrutinised by millions, media, pr activities, tests, PETs etc. ect. To go from low profile ERC or few events in WRC2 to the spot light, with handicapped car - not every one can cope with it. It remains to be seen how Josh will manage this big jump.

- I think that juniors should not be given full season at once, without some test events. smth like Pajari case - when you have clear visuals that the person and crew can cope with it. If not - it can break promising carriers. Look at Camilli, Loubet, Greensmith, Sunninen, even Solberg. Another point - Pajari will drive the 4th car, no pressure, no attention. in M-Sport, those youngsters are 2 registered all year driver.

In conclusion - i believe that Josh McErlean will become a good top 10 rally driver in foreseeable future and I hope this unreasonably high jump to WRC all season will not break him.

[AndersX]

About Sesks: actually I am ok, that he is not doing all season. (Read my arguments about junior drivers and full season problem as a 2nd driver above). I am pretty sure his team would not miss an opportunity to build up on this years success. Remind to be seen how many evens and when ( his insta few days ago had interesting pic from his flight to Sweden, without any comments or follow ups). Lets hope he was able to pull together more than 1 event. We need personalities like him in WRC.

[SubaruNorway]

About Sesks: actually I am ok, that he is not doing all season. (Read my arguments about junior drivers and full season problem as a 2nd driver above). I am pretty sure his team would not miss an opportunity to build up on this years success. Remind to be seen how many evens and when ( his insta few days ago had interesting pic from his flight to Sweden, without any comments or follow ups). Lets hope he was able to pull together more than 1 event. We need personalities like him in WRC.

He was just doing some EV road car testing with Østberg in Umeå it looked like

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I'm ok with McErlean at M-Sport as at least he is new and young with time to develop. He has ambition and it's better to have him than some old rich nobody (or no-one at all and M-Sport out of WRC.)

Sesks and some others will probably get a few 2025 M-Sport drives with Promoter funding, so all is not lost.

[Sulland]

I'm ok with McErlean at M-Sport as at least he is new and young with time to develop. He has ambition and it's better to have him than some old rich nobody (or no-one at all and M-Sport out of WRC.)

Sesks and some others will probably get a few 2025 M-Sport drives with Promoter funding, so all is not lost.

But imo they need a top class driver that drives for free, but shows the potential of the car, and get them some points!!

Also they need to build a new Rally2 car that car fight for podiums and will make them money.

If Ford is not interested in putting in more money, maybe someone else are!

[denkimi]

They need a top driver. Not just to show the car, but to teach the youngsters. And more importantly, to give them someone to compare with. To show how fast or slow they are compared to established drivers.

[1988senna]

Is the costs for current wrc really matter for Ford??? How much per one T1+ car , 1 million $ to 1.5m $? that's 2 or 3 times compare to rally1car, So why Ford still throw money and have manufacturer team in W2rc??

it's only because Ford can sell many T1+ to customer in one year but can't sell any rally1 car at the same time,is that right?

[saco0o]

Is the costs for current wrc really matter for Ford??? How much per one T1+ car , 1 million $ to 1.5m $? that's 2 or 3 times compare to rally1car, So why Ford still throw money and have manufacturer team in W2rc??

it's only because Ford can sell many T1+ to customer in one year but can't sell any rally1 car at the same time,is that right?

ford doesnt build rally1 cars in wrc

[1988senna]

ford doesnt build rally1 cars in wrc

So what's the that before 2013? everyone know how Ford wrc team become to msport,

[deephouse]

It doesn't even build Raptor, that job was given to M-Sport, since the team is the best expertise of transforming cars into beasts. But the difference is, that Ford Performance (official Ford's sport department), is funding that project heavily. They claim that they will step in WRC also if the regs will be the right. And the regs are out, and we sadly still don't know if this will become truth. I think they are evaluating everything and will decide later. But having already some edge here it could be their opportunity to win big prizes straight away, rather than someone completely new (and possibility of Hyundai leaving, only Toyota with that edge)

If the case will be, that Ford will not back them up officialy, they should reconsider of bringing some other brand into the game. MG for example, british legacy, they have small cars, Mr. Wilson drove them in his rallying career.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ford have gone all-in on making their road cars EV's, including the next generation of Puma. So if they do back a 2027 Regs rally car it would surely be fully electric-powered. :(

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Why 2025 is the right time for M-Sport’s new recruit to make WRC leap...

"I think maybe it is the most simple year from the past few years to jump into Rally1 without hybrid and the change of tyres to Hankook."

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/why-2025-is-right-for-m-sports-new-recruit-to-make-wrc-leap/10686970/

[deephouse]

4 rally1 Pumas at the Rally Sweden:
-Munster
-McErlean
-Sesks
-Serderidis

Man Hyundai will look really bad if they don't come up with something

[typhoon]

4 rally1 Pumas at the Rally Sweden:
-Munster
-McErlean
-Sesks
-Serderidis

Man Hyundai will look really bad if they don't come up with something

Sesks program looks more and more promising, during today's last episode of More than Machine, Rich made a videocall to Martin and he told him that SafetyCulture wants to give him some funding for this year.

So, SafetyCulture, Promoter and some Latvian (and Indonesian I guess?) sponsors, it might come up with a good program!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Hopes but nothing confirmed yet...

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/m-sport-targets-more-wrc-entries-at-selected-events-in-2025-/10687444/

[Managarium]

M-Sport’s 2025 Ford Puma Rally1 livery reveal is tomorrow ( Jan 18) at 12:00hrs UK time on their FB page

https://i.ibb.co/JFLXMw7/473802226-1010898604414212-4300704267817823776-n.jpg (https://ibb.co/JFLXMw7)

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ghku-dSX0AA8Uxi?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ghku-dRXkAAZcUY?format=jpg&name=large

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GhkvAqLWoAAqA5f?format=jpg&name=large

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Safety Culture has become a more prominent sponsor, not a lot of Ford / Ford Performance.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Motorsport Ireland on McErlean's car...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GhksNllWEAAUpM6?format=jpg&name=medium

[AndersX]

This is what can be called a nice design! Good job, M-Sport!

[TypeR]

fk Ctrl C, Ctrl V
Thank you M-Sport for another beautiful livery! :)

[EstWRC]

Killing it like always. Too bad the drivers are so bad

[AndersX]

Killing it like always. Too bad the drivers are so bad

McErlean is a good driver with some potential. I think people are underestimating him. Just that too sudden jump in the deep end, that might break him.

[focus206]

M-Sport again rally livery world champion. Although the competition wasn't great this year :D

[tbazsi95]

Toyota and Hyundai used Ctrl C and Ctrl V for livery this year

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Outdoors...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GhmKEcpXwAA3lkB?format=jpg&name=medium

[Jarek Z]

McErlean is a good driver with some potential. I think people are underestimating him.

Has he ever won any rally in his life?

[Backa]

Has he ever won any rally in his life?

Nothing worth mention, which is probably why people are underestimating him.

[Krigen]

Nothing worth mention, which is probably why people are underestimating him.

Are you sure we are UNDERestimating him ?

[DionLv]

Yes we are

[Backa]

Are you sure we are UNDERestimating him ?

Of course I am not 100% sure, maybe I am overestimating him. Time will tell.

Anyway, number of rally wins itself doesn't matter that much to me. Sometimes 2nd place in event with stronger competition is more respectable than win somewhere else.

[AndersX]

So, we want to see rally great again (MRGA), but as soon as some new guy appears on the horizon, we all are jumping on him. I already wrote, that I noticed McErlean few years ago in ERC Rallies Poland and Latvia - he was not far from Sesks pace and that was noticeable considering that he had grown on tarmac. Yes, he has not won any big rally yet, but he has the speed. Lets hope he will be able adopt to WRC Aero physics and we will actually see him progressing fast.

[sindroms]

So, we want to see rally great again (MRGA), but as soon as some new guy appears on the horizon, we all are jumping on him. I already wrote, that I noticed McErlean few years ago in ERC Rallies Poland and Latvia - he was not far from Sesks pace and that was noticeable considering that he had grown on tarmac. Yes, he has not won any big rally yet, but he has the speed. Lets hope he will be able adopt to WRC Aero physics and we will actually see him progressing fast.

Spot on! I was too lazy to write my toughts about McErlean but if I had written, it would have been exactly what AndersX wrote.

[Jarek Z]

So, we want to see rally great again (MRGA), but as soon as some new guy appears on the horizon, we all are jumping on him.

Not true. Did anybody jump on Sesks or Pajari? :)

[deephouse]

Not true. Did anybody jump on Sesks or Pajari? :)

True that. There was so many guys more suitable for that seat. Sesks is the first choice obviously because he already beat many top guys at debut, with slower car. No matter how good he know Latvia roads, it's the top class and the grid is competitive with multiple event winners and many title winners. Then there was Solberg, Rossel, Gryazin, Virves... Even two irish stars were better or at least showed something, Armstrong and Creighton. This was pure money. I hope that he will show something, or we could have another crawling "Munster" of course we are happy for new talent, but calling him talent over many better talents isn't justified. Sorry.

[Backa]

calling him talent over many better talents isn't justified.

Calling him good driver with potential doesn't mean drivers deserving that seat more but omitted due to business side of rally don't exist.

Between taking best talent possible (that would be Solberg, not Sesks as Swede showed more on tarmac and slow gravel) and "pure money" is plenty of space in between. Gryazin and Rossel would be also more deserving but McErlean is younger, less experienced and not that far off from them in terms of performance.

30-years old Armstrong and 27-years old Creighton didn't show enough to be considered more investment-worthy than 25-years old McErlean. Creighton in 2023 Junior WRC showed similar results as G.Munster but somehow McErlean is "Munster-like" and Creighton isn't?

[meh]

M-Sport is a private business and choosing a driver is a business decision. Simple as that. You can not provide a car if you don't have money for that.

We should not blame that McErlean found his way to have a seat, we can only cry that WRC is on the level that many promising talents never get a chance to show and validate their talents.

[Steve Boyd]

Even two irish stars were better or at least showed something, Armstrong and Creighton.Don't forget that McErlean isn't there because of his own money. He's there because he has been selected by Motorsports Ireland as a promising young driver and has sufficiently impressed a very rich Irish competitor to back him so far. This rich backer has supported Motorsports Ireland's young driver programme for many years and McErlean is just the latest in a long line of Irish drvers who have made it to ERC & WRC level because of this backing. If McErlean continues to develop I'm sure his support will develop, if not he'll fall by the wayside to make room for the next promising youngster.

[Duvel]

Don't forget that McErlean isn't there because of his own money. He's there because he has been selected by Motorsports Ireland as a promising young driver and has sufficiently impressed a very rich Irish competitor to back him so far. This rich backer has supported Motorsports Ireland's young driver programme for many years and McErlean is just the latest in a long line of Irish drvers who have made it to ERC & WRC level because of this backing. If McErlean continues to develop I'm sure his support will develop, if not he'll fall by the wayside to make room for the next promising youngster.


I think its good that McErlean gets a chanse, he's Irisch, i think there's a pretty large fanbase in Ireland, so thats also good.
Lets see how he can compare to Munster fof instance. good first benchmark.

[denkimi]

It's just weird to see someone who was 9th in wrc2 last year, someone without any victory or even a few decent results in the past jump to wrc1.

But i guess M-sport just needs the money. And perhaps we're all wrong and he suddenly turns out to be some massive talent.

[Sal yet again]

And how is that different in many ways to Taka though?

[denkimi]

And how is that different in many ways to Taka though?
Not. Katsuta is only in an rc1 because he is japanese and toyoda wants some japanese driver in his cars.

[Doon]

It's understandable the some people are upset that a more deserving driver isn't in that M-Sport Rally 1 seat (....or both). Unfortunately, life doesn't work that way, especially in the rallying world. It's not like there are sponsors queuing up to put their company name on a car which quite frankly isn't going to be seen by many people. Just look at the crowds at the ceremonial start in Monte Carlo, the "jewel in the crown", right now.....there aren't any.

So, if someone is willing is willing to pay, at least it keeps another team in the sport to fight another day. Without that money, we are watching two teams. That's the sad reality of the WRC currently. It's a minority sport, mainly for people who can fund themselves, lets stop pretending otherwise and enjoy the show.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GiIE8t0XUAAzR7U?format=jpg&name=medium

[Backa]

Just look at the crowds at the ceremonial start in Monte Carlo, the "jewel in the crown", right now.....there aren't any.


To be fair, ceremonial starts are waste of time, especially when stages later that day are relatively far from it.

[PLuto]

To be fair, ceremonial starts are waste of time, especially when stages later that day are relatively far from it.

On the other hand it is an opportunity to bring the rally to the center of the cities, to show it "normal" people. It can be good promotion for the sport and also for the hosting city (and you need government to support the rally). And it is also good for competitors as they can have picture from unique place.

[macebig]

Munster doing so well is an encouraging sign for what Sesks can do in the season. And it's proof that the Puma is certainly on par with the other R1s.

[Backa]

On the other hand it is an opportunity to bring the rally to the center of the cities, to show it "normal" people. It can be good promotion for the sport and also for the hosting city (and you need government to support the rally). And it is also good for competitors as they can have picture from unique place.

Yeah, I meant waste of time from perspective of fans that travelled to Rally Monte Carlo. There is decent amount of people at actual Rally Monte Carlo so using ceremonial start crowd is strange argument.

Although I agree with core point, if anything, I hope more drivers like McErlean and Munster get funding from their local sponsors. It's not F1 with "fixed" 20 seats, M-Sport risked having 1 full time driver if not McErlean and his sponsors.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ford are entering WEC and Le Mans in 2027. A bit worrying as Ford isn't flush with cash and WRC support may have to go...

[deephouse]

Ford are entering WEC and Le Mans in 2027. A bit worrying as Ford isn't flush with cash and WRC support may have to go...

Really? I thought they are aiming at rallying (WRC and W2RC/Dakar). Well, they don't care for some time now. I guess Malcolm could reach out to MG and aim there.

[macebig]

They won't cut the WRC program if the 2027 rules make sense. Rushbrook has said so.If WRC decides to kill itself, it's neither Ford's nor M-Sport's problem. And Malcolm won't drop Ford anyways. He is the only guy that can service/manufacture parts for all their rally cars from the last 30 years. Prodrive went back to supporting the Subarus they made. Historic rallying is a big business now.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The other issue could be the Mk2 Puma road car due in 2027 will be electric only. Will M-Sport run an EV Rally1 car under the '27 Regs ?

[deephouse]

They won't cut the WRC program if the 2027 rules make sense. Rushbrook has said so.If WRC decides to kill itself, it's neither Ford's nor M-Sport's problem. And Malcolm won't drop Ford anyways. He is the only guy that can service/manufacture parts for all their rally cars from the last 30 years. Prodrive went back to supporting the Subarus they made. Historic rallying is a big business now.

Having only the badge on the car and putting literally no money into it, I would not call "their" wrc programme. They are just probably donate cars and give them some technical support, but money wise they don't want to hear anything. They are just enjoying how M-Sporters are faithful to the brand. It's just like Paddon is to Hyundai brand. They like to brag when success come. Remember that WEC is way more expensive to build the car, run season and probably way more expensive in develop. Ford situation isn't very good at the moment and probably they will not run many world class programmes simultaneously. F1, now WEC, Dakar... Probably for WRC they will not have "budget" even if that will be cut to half, there will still be excuses. I bet that now they will say that they want "green" energy and WRC isn't there. That's why I have an opinion that M-Sport should reach to different brand. Why would they stick to the brand, who really don't want to support them properly, and most importantly don't produce cars which are the best for that sport. Even if they still have great selling numbers in lower categories and run JWRC, those Fiestas will eventualy be too old, will not be upgraded anymore and what car will replace them?

The situation in WRC had gone from uncertain to really bad. I'm really shocked and having fingers crossed that some new names would come and now hearing this gives me absolute no hope at all. So I will try to enjoy it while it last.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

To be fair Ford has been faithful to rallying too, even if providing less support than than it used to give.

The likes of rally legends Lancia, Citroen and Subaru are all long gone so you couldn't blame Ford for going too.

[Jarek Z]

Yes, if you look at the seventies, eighties, nineties and up till now - Ford has always been present in rallying in some way. You can't say the same about Lancia, Citroen, Peugeot, Subaru...

[Jarek Z]

"More Than Machine", the documentary series following M-Sport Ford’s season in WRC, earned a ‘Highly Commended’ accolade in the Best Documentary category at The Race Media Awards:
https://www.wrc.com/a/news/w29193_More-Than-Machine-Highly-Commended-at-The-Race-Media-Awards

[deephouse]

I'm aware of that, they are/were the most faithful brand in the series. But choosing to leave right now when the series could reconstruct again is just sad. Very sad. And angry that WEC keep getting them. But here, no matter what those up there do, nobody care. I personaly never like this prototype ugly no road revelance cars racing for hours. It's boring and not exciting for me. I tried it and fall asleep soon. So not for me. Also don't get why brands keep signing there, if the field have huge numbers. How those could even get good results if there is too much competition. Rally is the only sport in the world, which can race on any kind of road, in any kind of weather at any time through season. Practicaly have everything that all other series have, and also many more features added up. When in F1 it's 30 degrees or some light rain drops fall, they immediately cry and it's too hard to race for comparision. I just suggest that Malcolm could change brand, since Ford are really not making them easier for their business. Things change and also prodrive didn't stick to only Subarus through their era of rallying.

[macebig]

WEC is very cheap to enter in LMDh form at least. Chassis are off the shelf, hybrid system is a common part and you can use any engine you want thanks to BoP. BMW uses an old DTM unit that is essentially 30 yo technology. Hyundai will use 2 WRC engines sticked together. Ford may well opt for the old reliable 2.0L Duratec WRC engine that has produced over 600hp in RX and Hill climbing events. That's the advantage WEC has now. Barrier of entry is very low. Spaceframe kinda does the same in WRC, but having to produce a 1.6T engine limits options.

[AndyRAC]

I'm aware of that, they are/were the most faithful brand in the series. But choosing to leave right now when the series could reconstruct again is just sad. Very sad. And angry that WEC keep getting them. But here, no matter what those up there do, nobody care. I personaly never like this prototype ugly no road revelance cars racing for hours. It's boring and not exciting for me. I tried it and fall asleep soon. So not for me. Also don't get why brands keep signing there, if the field have huge numbers. How those could even get good results if there is too much competition. Rally is the only sport in the world, which can race on any kind of road, in any kind of weather at any time through season. Practicaly have everything that all other series have, and also many more features added up. When in F1 it's 30 degrees or some light rain drops fall, they immediately cry and it's too hard to race for comparision. I just suggest that Malcolm could change brand, since Ford are really not making them easier for their business. Things change and also prodrive didn't stick to only Subarus through their era of rallying.

You just have no understanding of Endurance racing.......And it has always been more road relevant than rallying; that's the very heart of what the ACO want for their series....

To be frank, you sound like the classic WRC fan with a chip on their shoulder because other series are better run, and are more successful.

[Backa]

Everytime there are news about Toyota, Hyundai and Ford doing something non-WRC related in motorsport, people starts writing black scenarios. It's kinda funny.

If costs of having WRC programme decrease with new regulations while marketing benefits remain on similar level, brands will most probably remain, no matter if they are racing in F1, WEC, are title sponsors of golf tournaments or whatever.

[Mary Mary]

You just have no understanding of Endurance racing.......And it has always been more road relevant than rallying; that's the very heart of what the ACO want for their series...

Really? In what way?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Everytime there are news about Toyota, Hyundai and Ford doing something non-WRC related in motorsport, people starts writing black scenarios. It's kinda funny.

If costs of having WRC programme decrease with new regulations while marketing benefits remain on similar level, brands will most probably remain, no matter if they are racing in F1, WEC, are title sponsors of golf tournaments or whatever.

You can't blame us when Toyota are the only ones fully-funding their WRC programme thanks to Toyoda-San being a big rally fan.

Hyundai are on a budget as seen many times (limited test events, no spare cars etc) and Ford is barely funding M-Sport enough to continue at all (relying on M.Wilson and pay drivers).

[Backa]

You can't blame us when Toyota are the only ones fully-funding their WRC programme thanks to Toyoda-San being a big rally fan.

Hyundai are on a budget as seen many times (limited test events, no spare cars etc) and Ford is barely funding M-Sport enough to continue at all (relying on M.Wilson and pay drivers).

Hyundai remains competitive against Toyota while being on budget and Ford gets some decent publicity from time to time on low cost. And then we have 2027 regs focused on making it's more cost-effective. It's understandable to not expect similar prosperity as Formula 1 get in last years but WRC is quite likely to continue being fine/mediocre - pick one that in your opinion describe current WRC better.

I simply don't get that "it's either WEC or WRC" perspective. Manus have resources to be in both as long as marketing benefits outweight costs.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Richard Hammond at the M-Sport test track...

https://youtu.be/y8hCIsOUzio?si=eEdrX9l1SnHs-hGg

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GjaVGAWX0AAZj_d?format=jpg&name=4096x4096

[EstWRC]

What a mess and so ugly. Last years car was nice for him

[AndersX]

Not the best one, but it might be challenging to put together 4 title sponsors with their corporate identity. Last years livery was dominated by 11, this year it is 11, Tet, Safety Culture and M-Sport - challenge to designers.

[deephouse]

I actually like it, more than last year. It's funky, unusual and kinda cheap style. It will stand out, surely. I guess they did want that, and not go with official redbull colors.

[Negaiss]

Sesks livery, hmmm, what can I say ? There are a lot of better liveries and there are some worse liveries. This livery gives kind of a gamey look to it - maybe gamers will love it. What is good is that livery does not have effect on performance. Let's all hope Sesks will not overcook it on friday, will stay on a road and will finish rally in top 7.

[Mary Mary]

Not the best one, but it might be challenging to put together 4 title sponsors with their corporate identity. Last years livery was dominated by 11, this year it is 11, Tet, Safety Culture and M-Sport - challenge to designers.

What are the other 8?

[Krigen]

What are the other 8?

11 is a sponsor

[Duvel]

Its something else, so that is a good thing in my opinion!

[WRC1]

What a mess and so ugly. Last years car was nice for him

last years livery was much nicer, BUT this is still 1000times better than all the Toyotas....except Pajari

[typhoon]

Whatever is bringing budget to run the car is a good livery imho.

[Jarek Z]

I like it. Like someone else said, it looks a little "game-y" and also very lively.

[rallyfiend]

I think it will look really cool on a model car. Would buy.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

It's a case of needs-must if it gets Sesks enough sponsor money for a Rally1 drive. We should just be grateful for this and accept the livery which does give each sponsor good visibility.

[Myrvold]

The livery looks like a proper privateer-effort, and I love it!

[Backa]

Whatever is bringing budget to run the car is a good livery imho.


We should just be grateful for this and accept the livery which does give each sponsor good visibility.

Nothing wrong with disliking livery even if you are glad drivers get sponsorship. Two different things.

[becher]

The livery looks like a proper privateer-effort, and I love it!
Thought so too. Reminds me of privateers from years back.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

It looks a bit better in action...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Gj1X5rVWEAAUC7b?format=jpg&name=medium

[Fast Eddie WRC]

It's been a while... :)

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Gmprq5rXYAAAzNg?format=jpg&name=medium

[Morte66]

Would this be because they came ~last on Friday so on Saturday they started ~first just before the rain?

Well, the clouds really did have a silver lining I guess. ;)

Edit: god, that sounds bitchy. Congrats, M-Sport.