M-Sport has not had a very easy year in WRC this season. After the departure ofOtt Tänak in Hyundai, the British team had to deal with its two young drivers, Adrien fourmaux – who was returning from a redemptive year in WRC2 – and Grégoire Munster, who was competing in his first full season in Rally1. While the Frenchman was amazing on several rallies, taking his first five podiums in the premier class on all surfaces, the English team did not take a single victory in 2024 and finished far, far behind the behemoths that are Toyota and Hyundai in the championship.
With just two cars and a semi-private team status, M-Sport could not really have hoped for better this season. However, the results and performances of the English team have satisfied its Team Principal, Richard Millener. "Personally, I had a fantastic season," said the British manager after the last rally of the season, in Japan. We have a great team, we have had great moments together this year and I am very proud of what we have accomplished together. The whole team deserves a well-deserved rest for a few weeks now!
What place for M-Sport in 2025?
Richard Millener assures that the British team has shown that it has the potential to play with the best in the right conditions. The Ford Puma has gained in reliability in 2024, but still has some gaps in terms of performance against its rivals. “We knew the Puma could be competitive on asphalt, and in Japan, Adrien and Greg showed themselves to be up to the task, he added, referring to the Rally of Japan, where for the only time this season, both Fords finished in the Top 5.. Although Adrien had to make a few changes to find his cruising speed, he never gave up and his perseverance allowed him to secure his fifth podium of the year – a fantastic end to the season for him and Alex [Coria, co-driver]. For Greg and Louis [Louka, co-driver], it was another fantastic weekend that shows their evolution and progress since the start of the year.
In 2025, it will be a completely different kettle of fish for Richard Millener and M-Sport, after the departure of their leader Adrien Fourmaux to Hyundai. The British team's withdrawal, which was once mooted, was swept aside with the appointment of Grégoire Munster and Josh McErlean next year. A young, inexperienced duo who will have a lot to do in the premier category. The Belgian will have the difficult task of leading the team and participating in development, while the Irishman - supported by the Irish Motorsport Federation - will have to learn his trade on events that he has never competed in most of. They may be joined by a third car on certain rallies, which could be entrusted to the promising Martins Sesks, but this has yet to be confirmed by M-Sport.
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