M-Sport’s gesture towards Evans: “He will always remain a member of the family”

Elfyn Evans and her co-pilot Scott Martin will sail towards Toyota Gazoo Racing in the World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2020. Le duo britannique quitte donc M-Sport après quasiment une décennie de bons et loyaux services.

The team founded by Malcolm Wilson issued a press release in which it politely thanked the Welsh driver. “I have watched Elfyn mature as a world-class driver over the last 10 years, assures the former pilot. 

He perfectly embodies how a young talent advances through Ford’s “ladder of opportunity.” We would have liked to keep his services for 2020, but unfortunately this was no longer possible. 

I remain extremely proud of everything we have achieved together and how M-Sport has had a role in his journey. It goes without saying thathe will always remain a member of the M-Sport family », Malcolm Wilson graciously recalled. 

Before joining the WRC, Elfyn Evans started in the WRC Academy in 2012 in a modest Ford Fiesta R2. Winner of four events, the son of former champion Gwyndaf Evans won the title and progressed to WRC 2, still with Fiesta (R5 this time). 

Thanks to promising results, M-Sport recruited him for two seasons in WRC with the Fiesta RS in 2014 and 2015. Irregular but fast, he scored two podiums but was asked to go down a level in WRC 2 in 2016. 

His pugnacity (three victories) restored confidence in Malcolm Wilson who placed him in a Ford Fiesta WRC equipped with DMack tires. His greatest feat of arms came on home soil with a first World Cup success the day M-Sport took the Manufacturers' crown. 

The 2019 season was looking good until an injury in private testing, forcing him to miss three events. His consistency (eight top 6 for only two retirements) allowed him to still finish fifth in the general classification.

“I was running the Ford Fiesta Sport Trophy when it started, recalls Team Principal Richard Millener. It was exceptional to see him transform into one of the best rally drivers in the world. »

The person concerned did not forget his roots. “I started rally racing in 2007 with the Fiesta ST. I had the opportunity to work with talented and very motivated people, many of whom have become long-time friends! 

Like a lot of people in the WRC, I owe a debt of gratitude to this small but passionate structure. I will take great memories with me and I will forever be grateful for the opportunities Malcolm gave me. »