M-Sport-Ford aims for a strong performance at the Safari Rally Kenya, capitalizing on challenging conditions that may favor their less experienced team. Team principal Richard Millener highlights the unique opportunities this event presents, while drivers Gregoire Munster and Josh McErlean express enthusiasm and readiness for the challenges ahead.
M-Sport-Ford views the Safari Rally Kenya as a significant opportunity to achieve a notable result in the World Rally Championship. The event’s challenging conditions create a unique unpredictability, benefiting competitors such as M-Sport who may lack the resources of larger teams like Toyota and Hyundai. Last year, M-Sport’s driver Adrien Fourmaux demonstrated the team’s potential by finishing in third place against elite rivals.
As M-Sport prepares for the 2025 season, they face a relatively inexperienced driver lineup, featuring second-year Rally1 driver Gregoire Munster and rookie Josh McErlean. Despite this, both drivers have shown promising speed in earlier rally events in Monte Carlo and Sweden. Team principal Richard Millener emphasizes a cautious strategy during the demanding Safari Rally stages, considering their best result this year is a sixth-place finish achieved by Martins Sesks in Sweden.
“Kenya is always one of the most exciting, yet extreme, events on the calendar,” stated Millener. He believes the event offers unique opportunities for favorable results, while acknowledging the need for a different approach due to the challenging weather and terrain, and expressed enthusiasm for the beautiful Kenyan landscape.
Munster, reflecting on previous experiences, is eager to tackle the rally again despite facing challenges such as suspension failures last year. He remarked, “I’m really looking forward to Safari Rally Kenya, it’s probably my favourite event on the calendar,” noting the exhilarating wildlife and demanding conditions. He expressed confidence in the team’s preparation for the rally.
McErlean echoed his enthusiasm, stating, “This iconic event pushes drivers, co-drivers, and machines to their absolute limits.” He emphasized the effort M-Sport has put into preparing their vehicles for the rally, showcasing the specialized equipment. Both drivers are ready to embrace the challenges of the event ahead.
In summary, M-Sport-Ford sees the Safari Rally Kenya as a pivotal opportunity within the World Rally Championship, particularly given the unpredictable conditions that level the playing field. Despite a less experienced driver lineup, the team aims to leverage the unique challenges of the rally for success. Both drivers exhibit excitement and readiness to face the demanding environment ahead, supported by the strategic guidance of their team principal Richard Millener.
Original Source: www.dazn.com
