M-Sport plans third Ford for several rallies

Grégoire Munster and Josh McErlean will drive the M-Sport Ford Puma full-time this year in the WRC but like the last three seasons, other drivers are expected to be fielded in several rallies during the season.

“Our objective is to enter more than two cars in certain events”confirmed Richard Millener to Motorsport.com.

Veteran Jourdan Serderidis could make several appearances, as can hopeful Martins Sesks, who impressed during his appearances in Poland, Latvia and Chile last year, with financial backing from championship organizer WRC Promoter . Sesks promised “super interesting news next week”knowing that the list of entries for the Swedish Rally, second round of the season, will be published on January 17.

For Monte-Carlo, we know that Munster and McErlean will be the only drivers entered by M-Sport, which expects a more difficult campaign without Adrien Fourmaux, who left for Hyundai when he was by far its best representative. last year.

Still very independent from Ford, the structure first had to ensure its presence in the championship. Millener believes he has some promising drivers between a Munster who is coming of age for his second full season and a McErlean entered for the first time in Rally1.

“I’m happy with our duo. It will be a challenge this year and we will have to be realistic about what will be possible. The objective was to stay in the championship, that was the key and it has never been so hard. Losing Adrien was obviously a big blow but we have to deal with it. The aim was to find two drivers to allow us to continue.

“The goal has always been to keep Grégoire in the car for a few seasons to allow him to develop, so it’s good to have a second year with him and he will have pressure because he will be considered number one. one, which generates some expectations But it’s from the outside, not from the inside. We want him to continue as he finished last year, with competitive times.

“Josh faces the biggest challenge, so the key will be to have a very sensitive approach. I think having two young guys gaining experience, without pressure, can create a good environment and help us progress.”

Comments collected by Tom Howard