Sesks secures WRC Rally1 return with M-Sport

Martins Sesks will return to the World Rally Championship’s high flight this 12 months after securing a six-round programme with M-Sport-Ford.

The extremely rated Latvian impressed in outings in Poland, Latvia and Chile after making the leap to Rally1 with the Ford squad final 12 months, as a part of a programme supported by the WRC Promoter.

A run to fifth driving a non-hybrid powered Puma in Poland was adopted by a pair of stage wins in Latvia because the 25-year-old narrowly missed out on a possible maiden podium end when a technical fault struck his automotive on the ultimate stage. The performances earned one other outing in Chile as Sesks joined M-Sport’s driver want listing for 2025.

Whereas makes an attempt to safe funding for a full-time programme have fallen quick, a deal has been reached to run six occasions behind the wheel of the Puma, starting subsequent month at Rally Sweden. Sesks and co-driver Renars Francis will then take part in rounds in Portugal, Sardinia, Greece, Estonia and Finland.

M-Sport’s full-time seats have been stuffed by Gregoire Munster, retained from final 12 months, and Irish rising star Josh McErlean, who will make the step up from Rally2.

“We really feel really honoured that our debut within the WRC’s Rally1 final 12 months has fostered such belief from each M-Sport and [team sponsor] SafetyCulture. Moreover, the real curiosity from each long-standing and new sponsors from Latvia in supporting our efforts could be very thrilling,” mentioned Sesks.

“This chance gives us with immense motivation to additional our journey within the WRC’s Rally1 class. As we look forward to the 2025 season, we anticipate many new challenges, however we’re extra motivated than ever and able to be taught, all whereas bringing pleasure to our followers. The prospect to compete in half of the 2025 WRC season guarantees to ship invaluable expertise for the years to return.

“Our objective is so as to add yet another occasion with the Puma to our present listing, the rally in Saudi Arabia. Due to this fact, we shall be actively working all through the season to safe the monetary help essential to make this objective a actuality.”

The announcement comes after M-Sport staff principal Richard Millener revealed that the operation had been eyeing an growth of its line-up for 2025.

After witnessing Sesks’ spectacular show final 12 months, Millener is hoping the Latvian can construct on his 2024 outcomes.

“I feel Martins made a whole lot of new followers in a really quick house of time final season, and now to assume that these two performances have allowed him to discover a six-event programme this 12 months is unbelievable,” mentioned Millener.

“Clearly with out the help of his personal sponsors, and SafetyCulture, this 12 months wouldn’t be attainable. An enormous thanks goes to all concerned, in addition to a point out to the WRC Promoter, who helped to boost the price range for the occasions final season. The fruits of all this help has come collectively to ship what we see at the moment.

“I’m actually excited to see what could be achieved by Martiņs and Renars this 12 months. Chile was a reminder that it received’t all be plain crusing, however I do know that the velocity he has proven, plus his dedication and character, will make him a unbelievable addition to our 2025 line-up.”