M-Sport wants to get closer to the podium in Mexico

M-Sport will undoubtedly have difficulty fighting for victory on a regular basis Rally from Mexico next week even if Sébastien Ogier brought success to the Ford Fiesta WRC in 2018. Malcolm Wilson's team, however, hopes to play at the forefront by aiming for the podium with Esapekka Lappi, Teemu Suninen and Gus Greensmith.

“It is time to see what we are worth on earth and we are optimistic about our chances, comments team principal Richard Millener. We have a good run in Mexico with our success in 2018 and our podiums obtained every year since the new WRCs were launched. The team carried out research in a climatic chamber and we completed our preparation by carrying out a 4-day test session at altitude last week in Spain. »

Esapekka Lappi still has to learn on this terrain, his best result being only 11th position in 2018.

“I learn a little more each time I get behind the wheel by refining the settings for my driving, explains the former Citroën driver. We worked on several small things in Sweden and continued during testing last week. We are not far from fighting for the podium and I think that will be our goal in Mexico. »

Teemu Suninen has a little more experience with the Ford Fiesta WRC, the Finn having also taken victory in WRC 2 in Mexico in 2016 (9th overall).

“I have always loved these stages, but they are difficult with the altitude and high temperatures. You even feel the lack of oxygen when driving a WRC and you have to be prepared for it, both physically and in your driving. We haven't had an idyllic start to the season, but I'm fully focused on this round. We know from previous years that the Fiesta is fast and reliable on this round. »

The team will be completed by Gus Greensmith who took 2nd place in WRC 2 in 2018 but has only competed once in Rally Mexico. The team will lack experience, but will have the advantage of benefiting from a clean road during the first stage to place themselves in the front ranks.