M-Sport Ford World Rally Teams

[er88]

Except Sordo has a contract at Hyundai.
Appart from mentioned Loeb and Meeke, Latvala has some job as well.

Which leaves Mikkelsen who has more recent WRC tarmac win vs Sordo (2015 vs 2013) as well as second place (2017 vs 2016). Though obviously after the i20 WRC tarmac speed it's quite hard to think of him as "Panizzi". Then again nobody says Loeb cant drive on tarmac after similar experience.

Anyway kinda pointless discussion. Fourmaux seems like a decent tarmac driver, so I won't be surprised if he even is ahead of Suninen on some stages. Suninen has some moments on tarmac but can't seem to keep the pace over multiple stages.

Don't think Suninen is even going to Croatia unfortunately.

[AnttiL]

Yes, Suninen won't do Croatia.

[mknight]

Huh didn't notice. So Fourmaux will only have Greensmith to compare.... ok.

[denkimi]

If M-Sport should hire a typical "asphalt specialist" for coratia, just to prove that the car has the speed - Who should they ask for a one off?

Who is the 2021 Panizzi?

If the only goal is to prove the speed of the car: meeke.

Most likely he will crash, but he might do it while leading the rally.

[er88]

I'm surprised they're going to Croatia with the new engine, but only Fourmaux and Greensmith in the car.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

If M-Sport should hire a typical "asphalt specialist" for coratia, just to prove that the car has the speed - Who should they ask for a one off?

Who is the 2021 Panizzi?

An 'asphalt specialist' would have to be one with current WRC car experience to have any chance ie Meeke.

Otherwise you'd need a maniac like Lukyanuk or Kubica just to show the car's pace before probably crashing it.

[Rallyper]

Or just Suninen. He was fastest on first stage in RMC, before crash, wasn´t he? Maybe was it a bit slushy...? Not pure tarmac?

However I would go for Suninen if I was Malcolm...

[AnttiL]

I'm surprised they're going to Croatia with the new engine, but only Fourmaux and Greensmith in the car.

Because Suninen couldn't get the budget together for the whole season. But his program should be broader than the half-season originally planned.

[bomber21]

MAR 31, 2021 | M-SPORT PRESS RELEASE
M-SPORT FORD COMMIT TO WRC HYBRID ERA
—————————————————

UNITED KINGDOM - M-Sport Ford have committed to the future of rallying – pledging to register and participate in the FIA World Rally Championship’s new hybrid era from 2022 to 2024.

This new commitment strengthens M-Sport’s relationship with the Blue Oval – a partnership which has delivered considerable success over more than two decades.

Joining forces in 1997, M-Sport Ford have secured seven FIA World Rally Championships, 61 victories, 262 podiums and more than 1500 stage wins – making them one of the sport’s most successful partnerships with an unbroken record of 258 consecutive point scores.

The introduction of hybrid technology into the FIA World Rally Championship signals a landmark development at the highest level of the sport – and M-Sport Ford remain committed to delivering top results with rally-winning technology.

The commitment also ensures M-Sport’s continuation at the pinnacle of the sport – safeguarding jobs and boosting engineering expertise at the team’s Dovenby Hall headquarters.

Aligned with Ford’s global strategy towards creating a more sustainable future, the world’s toughest championship for production-based cars is now fully committed to the introduction of greener technology; and M-Sport Ford are fully committed to the continuation of their successful partnership.

M-Sport Managing Director, Malcolm Wilson OBE, said:

“It’s always been important for our sport to move with the times, and this commitment to hybrid technology aligns the future of rallying with Ford’s global commitment towards a more sustainable future.

“As the toughest championship for production-based cars, the FIA World Rally Championship provides the perfect platform to test, develop and promote the latest road car technology – making this development integral to the relevance and continuation of our sport.

“It has also been integral to the continuation of our successful partnership with Ford and safeguards the immediate future of M-Sport in the FIA World Rally Championship.

“Over the past two decades we have delivered some fantastic performances and developed some of the championship’s most successful cars and drivers. Working closely with Ford Performance, it is our intention to continue that success in 2022 and progress on our latest challenger continues with testing both here in the UK and in America.

“There is still a long way to go, but we’re committed to delivering another rally winner as the world moves towards a more sustainable future.”

Global Director for Ford Performance, Mark Rushbrook, said:

“The WRC’s transition from pure internal combustion engine powertrains to hybrid technology comes at an opportune time for Ford.

“The company is rapidly moving towards an electrified future, developing hybrid and electric vehicle technology for our newest passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles around the world.

“Running a hybrid Rally 1 car next season will enable us to test and demonstrate this technology in the thrilling spectacle that is WRC, and we can’t wait to show you what it can do!”


https://performance.ford.com/series/...rt-hybrid.html

[the sniper]

I would assume there's no great change to the relationship between Ford and M-Sport then, but time will tell. Here's hoping Red Bull give them a boost to level them up with the other two manufacturer teams, it's within their power...