Ott Tanak described Martins Sesks’ Rally Latvia efficiency as “unbelievable” after a mechanical concern cruelly denied the World Rally Championship Rally1 rookie a shot at a rare podium.
In solely his second Rally1 begin and his first with a hybrid powered automobile, European Rally Championship runner-up Sesks occupied the rostrum positions till the ultimate stage.
Sesks netted his maiden WRC stage win on Friday in stage three earlier than including to that on the following take a look at. The 24-year-old then held off eight-time world champion Sebastien Ogier by Friday’s phases to take a seat second to rally chief Kalle Rovanpera, earlier than dropping the place on Saturday.
Sesks was in battle with Tanak for the ultimate podium spot on Sunday earlier than his M-Sport Ford Puma developed a mechanical concern firstly of the ultimate stage, when he had a 4.6s margin over Tanak. In the long run, Sesks managed to convey the automobile dwelling in seventh.
Tanak was amongst a number of onlookers impressed by the Latvian which he consoled following the dramatic end.
“I need to say what an unbelievable job he has finished. He might know the roads and be on the roads however no person can take his driving away,” stated Tanak.
“For certain it’s disgrace and I advised him it tastes dangerous on this second, however it’s an expertise, and it makes you hungry. I am certain if it will get extra likelihood to drive it should give him a bit of further increase.”
Martins Sesks, Renars Francis, M-Sport Ford World Rally Crew Ford Puma Rally1
Picture by: Purple Bull Content material Pool
Reflecting on the heartbreaking end, Sesks felt he finished all the pieces he might all through the rally and his earlier outing in Poland, which was made attainable by the WRC Promoters and his sponsors.
“After the stage Ott got here and he stated that he had been on this place, and he stated it regarded too simple. And naturally, perhaps it regarded too simple from the skin in Poland and in Latvia,” stated Sesks.
“We actually did our job. Crucial factor is that if we had completed within the prime three it was as a result of we had a very good tempo and the crew was working completely, it wasn’t simply success.
“We did a very good job. It is a factor in racing typically you have got technical points and naturally it’s disgrace it occurred earlier than these ultimate 13 kilometres, however it’s how it’s.”
M-Sport crew principal Richard Millener hailed Sesks’ efficiency as “superb” and was gutted {that a} automobile concern robbed his driver a shot at a memorable podium outcome.
“I really feel like we let him down as a crew. I don’t know what has occurred,” Millener advised Autosport.
“We are going to fear about that once we get an opportunity, however it’s irrelevant proper now, however to do all the pieces you may battle that tough and find yourself like that may be a actual disgrace.
Martins Sesks, Renars Francis, M-Sport Ford World Rally Crew Ford Puma Rally1
Picture by: M-Sport
“What he did was superb. He saved combating and saved going.
“He by no means received to point out us what he might have finished on that stage. I feel it genuinely would have been very shut.
“It is what the championship needs and desires and that is what the purpose of this programme was so I am very completely satisfied that we have achieved it. I am simply probably not completely satisfied we didn’t get him the rostrum.”