WRC – M-Sport confirms Kubica, Hirvonen and Evans for 2014

CARhebdo told you here, M-Sport confirmed the information this morning. Robert Kubica will perform well next year in a Ford Fiesta RS WRC alongside Mikko Hirvonen and Elfyn Evans. This is not really a surprise for the Pole since the structure led by Malcolm Wilson had requested a waiver from the FIA ​​to design a car adapted to the former driver's disability. F1. “I am delighted to be entered in all 13 rounds of the WRC with the Fiesta RS WRC, comments the 2 WRC2013 champion. The support of my partner Lotos Group combined with the knowledge and experience of M-Sport will create a solid foundation for my development and I look forward to gaining experience in the special stages. » The Pole's off-track crashes at Wales Rally GB where he was driving the DS3 WRC did not, in any case, scare Malcolm Wilson. “We wanted to take him on as soon as he arrived in the WRC and I think we can expect big things from him in 2014. You just have to see how Robert prepared last year. »

Mikko Hirvonen will make his return to M-Sport after two disappointing seasons with Citroën since he won only one victory. The Finn began his career with the British team in 2003. “Being back behind the wheel of the Fiesta RS WRC really feels like being at home again. These last two years have been very good for me and Jarmo (Lehtinen, his co-driver), but we have not achieved our objectives even if we will keep beautiful memories. Finding M-Sport will give us a new attempt: a new start in a car that can be competitive. We are motivated to win and we are in a great position to do so. We will be particularly focused on certain rallies. We know the Fiesta can be competitive on all surfaces, but I particularly like Sweden and Finland. However, I want to be able to fight throughout the season. I want to be a Championship contender and we can achieve that with M-Sport. »

Elfyn Evans will compete for the first time at the highest level of the WRC after his conclusive test at Rally from Sardinia where he took sixth position. The Galois finished his last season on a good note as he won in the second category in his national event with the Fiesta R5. “Last year was a season of development for us and it's fantastic to take this next step for me and Dan (Barritt, his co-driver). The advantage of this program is that we have time available. We have the whole team behind us and we have a long-term plan to get where we want to be. This is just the first step and I thank Malcolm (Wilson) and M-Sport for believing in my future. We are aware that this will not be an easy year. We must approach it as new learning. There are many specific tests that I don't know yet. The first part of the season will consist of reaching the finish of each event by collecting as much experience as possible. Having Mikko (Hirvonen) and Jarmo (Lehtinen) in the team is a big advantage for us. They know the formula for winning at this level and we can learn a lot from them. »

The absence of Nasser Al-Attiyah explains the disappearance of sponsor Qatar. The M-Sport team returns to its initial name.