As M-Sport embark on the twelfth and penultimate round of the FIA World Rally Championship, the stage is set for a historic Dayinsure Wales Rally GB – the Cumbrian squad in with a strong chance of securing the 2017 FIA World Rally Championship for Manufacturers.
With the crown within touching distance, M-Sport require just one of their three Ecoboost-powered Ford Fiesta WRCs to reach the flying finish of the final stage. Do that, and the Cumbrians achieve the unthinkable – a private team from the edge of the English Lake District beating some of the world’s largest automotive companies. If that weren’t enough, Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia also have their first mathematical chance of securing the drivers’ and co-drivers’ titles – giving Malcolm Wilson’s team the potential of a dream double celebration on home soil. With a record-breaking 13 Ford Fiestas in the M-Sport service park, the team will have to be at the top of their game and have left no stone unturned in their pursuit of success – success which they hope to celebrate throughout the field.
WALES RALLY GB ONE OF THE CLASSICS
There’s nothing quite like rallying on home soil and, call us biased, but Wales Rally GB is one of the most anticipated and celebrated events on the calendar. Steeped in motorsport history, the British round of the FIA World Rally Championship is an iconic event that has come to epitomise the sport of rallying. Founded in 1932, the introduction of forest roads in 1960 saw the emergence of what we know today. Formally venturing into England, Scotland and Wales, the event has been focused on Wales since 2000 but continues to draw inspiration from the past. Harking back to the rallies of old, endurance is the name of the game and the crews will have to tackle a mammoth 17-hour day on Saturday before the switch back to Greenwich Mean Time that same evening. But the long hours are compensated by some of the most picturesque landscapes and exciting gravel stages of the year. With classics such as Myherin, Sweet Lamb, Hafren and Dyfi all on the agenda, the crews will navigate familiar territory through picture-postcard forests. But they won’t have time to stop and admire the scenery. Rain, fog and even ice are all to be expected and that presents a particular challenge. The fast, flowing stages might not be technically difficult, but muddy conditions add a treacherous twist with ever-changing grip waiting to trap the unwary.
MALCOLM WILSON TEAM PRINCIPAL
As a driver and a Team Principal, Malcolm Wilson has tasted his fair share of champagne at the British fixture, but this year’s vintage could be the sweetest yet.
Team Principal, Malcolm Wilson OBE, said: “It’s hard to find the words to describe just what a momentous achievement we are on the verge of securing this week. When we started developing the Ford Fiesta WRC, I knew we had the people to design a competitive, rally-winning car, and we always hoped to be in this sort of position. Now that it is a reality, it really is hard to find the words. But it’s not done yet and we cannot forget just what a challenging event Wales Rally GB can be. The changeable weather, unpredictable grip and long days make it one of the most demanding events of the year. All three of our drivers have proven what they are capable of in Wales, and I have no doubt that all three of them are capable of securing the best possible result. But anything can happen and we must remain at the top of our game to get the job done.”
OGIER AND INGRASSIA THE CHAMPIONSHIP LEADERS
Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia have an opportunity to rewrite not one but two history books at Wales Rally GB. Having won the event on four previous occasions, a fifth victory would make the French pairing the most successful in the event’s 85-year history. A win would also see the reigning world champions retain their crown for a fifth straight season. Second place and a Power Stage victory would also see Ogier and Ingrassia seal the deal – regardless of what their nearest rivals achieve. Other permutations rely on the performance of team mate Ott Tänak and rival Thierry Neuville, but Ogier can lose six points to Tänak, seven to Neuville and still take the crown. Calculators at the ready…
Previous starts: 9 Best result: 1st (2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016)
Sébastien Ogier said: “This event is steeped in motorsport history and I think it’s fair to say that Wales Rally GB is one of the most iconic events on the calendar. It’s one that everyone wants to win and we’ll certainly be hoping to be in the battle for victory. It’s one of the most challenging rallies of the year and there is a real art to judging the grip levels through the forests. It’s an event that takes a while to get to grips with – quite literally – but I have to say that I now feel at home on the Welsh stages. Clearly, this could be a very special event for the team and it also provides us with our first mathematical chance of securing the drivers’ championship. But we can’t think too much about that. We just need to focus on enjoying the rally and delivering the best performance we can.”
TÄNAK AND JÄRVEOJA SECOND IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP
Having made his world rally car debut at Wales Rally GB in 2011, the British fixture holds special significance for Ott Tänak who has driven a top-specification Fiesta on five of his six previous outings in the Welsh forests. Relishing the challenge of unpredictable grip through the fast, flowing stages, Tänak secured his best result of second at the event last year in the closest finish of the 2016 season. This year, he and co-driver Martin Järveoja will be looking to go one better – keeping their championship fight with team mate Ogier alive in the process.
Previous starts: 6 Best result: 2nd (2016)
Ott Tänak said: “Wales Rally GB is a classic in every sense of the word. The days are long and the conditions are unpredictable, but that is rallying and that’s what makes it one of the biggest challenges on the calendar. When you secure a strong result in Wales, you know that you have delivered. This will be my seventh time competing in Wales, and six of those were with the top-specification Fiesta. I’ve got good experience here, and the stages are fast and flowing which I really enjoy. They can get quite slippery and ‘polished’ over the second pass but, again, that just adds to the challenge that makes this rally so special. “Obviously, this will be a very important weekend for the team. We’re on the verge of securing something really amazing and everyone will be working their hardest to secure that goal. If we could top the weekend off with a win, it would be even better!”
EVANS AND BARRITT SIXTH IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP
As Wales’ most successful WRC driver, Elfyn Evans is never short of support at Wales Rally GB and this year looks set to be no different with the creation of ‘Elfyn’s Corner.’ Situated towards the end of Myherin, Evans and co-driver Daniel Barritt can expect an enthusiastic welcome as they power their Ford Fiesta WRC into sight. Having made his WRC debut on home soil with the Ford Fiesta ST in 2007, Evans won his class and continued to shine thereafter – a WRC 2 victory in 2013 quickly followed by a top-five finish on his world rally car debut in 2014. With the Welsh fans behind them, the all-British pairing will be keen to deliver another strong performance this week.
Previous starts: 5 Best result: 5th (2014)
Elfyn Evans said: “There’s nothing quite like rallying at home and we’re in for a classic Wales Rally GB this year. The iconic stages, the weather, the night stages, the long days – this year’s offering has it all and it’s that sort of challenge that I really enjoy. I’m looking forward to it and to playing my part in what could be a really historic event for the team. It’s always amazing to see the Welsh fans out on the stages, and it’s true that their enthusiasm gives you that little bit extra. We’ll have to wait and see how the conditions suit our package, but we’re hungry for a strong result before the end of the year and will be giving it our all this weekend.”
SUPPORTING AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL
Autosport International is recognised as the traditional start of every motorsport season, and Wales Rally GB will see M-Sport support the iconic show once again – the show’s logo proudly displayed on the Ford Fiesta WRCs of both Sébastien Ogier and Ott Tänak. First run in 1991, Autosport International attracts the world’s best motorsport personalities to Birmingham’s NEC year after year. Next year, the show runs from January 11 until January 14 and more information can be found at www.autosportinternational.com. M-Sport will be there, will you?
Autosport International show director, Kate Woodley, said: “Autosport International is recognised around the world as the start of the motorsport season and in January we were delighted to have M-Sport’s Ford Fiesta WRC unveiled at the show. How things have progressed for Malcolm [Wilson], Sebastien [Ogier], Ott [Tänak] and the whole team since then. We are absolutely delighted to renew our association with M-Sport and the cars at Dayinsure Wales Rally GB – such a pivotal point in what’s looking like a history-making year for the team. A superb Autosport International kick-started an exceptional year for M-Sport and we look forward to reflecting on that at the NEC in January.”
Fiesta R5
Teemu Suninen said: “I have always liked this rally. If there is some fog and rain then it all comes down to who can be the bravest out on the stages. In those conditions you need to be fearless. Sometimes in the fog you can’t see past the clips on your bonnet and you need to have complete trust in your co-driver. I’m looking forward to the challenge and can’t wait to get started.” Éric Camilli said: “Wales Rally GB is a really unique event and a very special place for me. There is nothing else like it on the calendar. The last time we competed there with the Fiesta R5, we had a great event, and we’ll be hoping to challenge for the win again this year. We’ll need to be fully focused if we want to achieve that. It’s one of the most challenging events of the year and all of the WRC 2 competitors will be there – all wanting victory. The days are long and the grip levels are constantly changing, but when you get it right – when you deliver that perfect stage in such difficult conditions – it’s an amazing feeling. I’m really looking forward to it and hoping to experience lots of those feelings.” Gus Greensmith said: “It’s always nice to go rallying at home. Personally, it makes me that little bit more relaxed and I really enjoy the atmosphere at Wales Rally GB. But by far the best part of rallying at home is that I get to go home and see my dogs on Sunday evening! This is a classic event and one that I feel will be a part of the FIA World Rally Championship for a long time. As such, I think it’s important to keep returning and keep building my experience. The grip levels can change so much and that’s probably what’s considered the biggest challenge. But I don’t see it as a challenge. I see it as an opportunity. A lot of my strongest performances this year have come when the grip is tricky to read. You have to drive with a margin to avoid costly mistakes, but I’m hoping we can deliver. We’ve turned heads for the right reasons and the wrong reasons this year, but I am determined to enjoy my home event and hopefully a strong result will follow. It’s only a matter of time before everything starts to click into place.” Pierre-Louis Loubet said: “This is one of my favourite rallies and the atmosphere is just amazing! I have very nice memories from rallying here in the Junior WRC. It was my best rally at that level of performance and I’m hoping that we can challenge for something similar this year. You have to be so focused not to make a mistake because the weather can make this event so, so difficult. You really do have to be ultra-concentrated. The days are very long and difficult and, with no midday services, you don’t have the assistance to make any repairs. But my goal will be to give it everything I have. The competition will be very strong, but I will try to fight for the podium.” Pedro Heller said: “I’m really happy to be here in Wales for our fifth and last event of the year. We’re feeling very comfortable and have learnt a lot over the year. Here in Wales we want to put everything we have learnt into practice and deliver a good performance on this very difficult rally.” Matthew Wilson said: “To say I’m excited about this rally would be something of an understatement. It’s been a while since I’ve been driving competitively, but rallying is very much in my blood and I always like to get out on the stages at least once a year. Last year I did the Pirelli Rally with Stuart [Loudon, co-driver]. We had a great run and were keen to get back out again this year. The WRC has been absolutely phenomenal this season. The competition is as close as it’s ever been – it’s so exciting and myself and Stuart both really wanted to be a part of that. With Wales Rally GB being our home event, it provided the perfect opportunity. In all honesty, the idea behind us doing the rally started off as a bit of fun, but it’s got more and more serious as the weeks went on. It’s such a challenging event and you never know what to expect – rain, fog, wind, we can expect it all. Then there’s the added challenge of the long days and the night stages – it’s going to be a classic Wales Rally GB. Realistically, I know that the pace in WRC 2 is really hot. You just have to look at drivers like Teemu [Suninen] to know how strong the competition will be, and all of the main players will be in action next week. It’ll take us a while to get back up to speed, but we plan to go out there and enjoy it. When you enjoy your driving, the times tend to come good, and that’s what we’ll be aiming for.” Kalle Rovenpera said: “The feeling ahead of this event is really good and I’m looking forward to it. This will be my second international event, but of course my first WRC event. It’s a really long rally which is very different from what I am used to, but I’m sure it will be a lot of fun. It’s going to be a challenging weekend, but I hope it will be a good weekend for me too. I like to drive in really challenging, slippery conditions and these roads aren’t too dissimilar from some we have in Finland. I hope that will help us and we can have a good rally.” Matt Edwards said: “This is a big event for me. I have been rallying for 13 years and always felt that the FIA World Rally Championship was out of reach. This is an amazing opportunity, and I’m really looking forward to the whole experience. Night stages have always been a favourite for me, so I am looking forward to those. I’m not sure why, but I have always felt comfortable in the dark, tricky conditions. I know these stages well, but I must admit that I’ve not had a lot of gravel seat time recently and will have to work hard to translate that knowledge into some good stage times. The aim is to secure three good days of experience and reach the finish in my home town of Llandudno. More than anything, I just want to enjoy it. Of course I want to secure the best possible result, and hope to continue the progress that I have made over the last 18 months, but enjoyment will be the key factor.”
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