Martins Sesks at the Chile Rally with the Puma Rally1

Martins Sesks left the World Cup as a hero. His final appearance ended on the roof of his Ford Puma Rally1 waving to the crowd at the finish of the SON Power Stage rally from Latvia. For three days, he burst onto the screen with this smile that cracks people up, but also a bit with his first best times (2) at this level. Already brilliant for its debut with the non-hybrid Puma in Poland (5^e), the 24-year-old driver was able to perfectly exploit his knowledge of Latvian special stages and his experience of very fast dirt roads to occupy a place on the podium for a good part of the event. A mechanical problem in the final stretch prevented it from finishing.

The two operations set up thanks to the help of the promoter of WRC, But also M-Sport and sponsors of the young man were a success. The potential displayed, the positive image that Sesks conveys and the promises made made us want to see him again in other conditions to judge his abilities. All parties managed to find solutions to imagine a sequel to this summer. Martins Sesks and Renard Francis will be present in Chile with a Puma which will carry 100 kg ballast to compensate for the withdrawal of the hybrid unit. “ We are very grateful to have the opportunity to drive a Rally1 again, just two months after our last rally, he explains delighted. The adventure has been incredible so far and my feelings behind the wheel continue to improve. Taking part in Chile at the controls of a Rally1 is really great. I would therefore like to thank the WRC promoter and M-Sport for their support and cooperation. » Although he appears impatient to discover this ordeal, Sesks also remains lucid. “ It will be very difficult, he warns. We will operate with a non-hybrid Rally1 on slower gravel stages and at altitude. We will be the underdogs, it will be demanding, but we like challenges. We are ready and motivated to experience a new great adventure with M-Sport. » Sesks has well summed up the challenge he will have to take on and it is difficult to predict what type of result he can aim for in Concepción.

This Chilean initiative which follows that of Sami Pajari in Finland with the Toyota Yaris Rally1 confirms the promoter's commitment to hopefuls. “ We are delighted to see Martins return to the Rally1 category and proud to continue supporting such a promising young talent, said Peter Thul, Senior Director of Sport at WRC Promoter with his usual enthusiasm. He has already shown remarkable speed and determination in Poland and Latvia and we believe his WRC future is exceptionally bright. It is essential to support the new generation for the WRC to continue its development. Our commitment to encouraging future pilots remains as strong as ever. » Involved in this operation and having always worked hard in this direction, Malcolm Wilson welcomes this new participation. “ It's fantastic to work with Martins again. His performances in Poland and Latvia impressed many people and I am very proud that the WRC promoter, his sponsors and M-Sport can offer him another opportunity to develop his skills in Rally1. We have done a lot over the years to support aspiring pilots. I consider that Martins Sesks has shown that he can be part of this new generation of high-level drivers. »

For 3^e appearance of Chile in the WRC, the course has changed little which will be a help for Martins Sesks who will be able to find videos to immerse himself in the specials. This will also be a disadvantage, because he will be one of the rare ones who has not already raced in these times. The conditions are therefore met for him to be able to demonstrate all his talent.

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