M-Sport Sees ‘Big Opportunities’ at Safari Rally Kenya Challenges

M-Sport-Ford aims to leverage the Safari Rally Kenya as a major opportunity in the World Rally Championship. Despite limited resources compared to competitors, the team is optimistic, recalling past success. With a new and less experienced driver lineup, a strategic approach may enhance their performance during the challenging stages of the rally. Both drivers express excitement and readiness to face the rally’s unique demands.

M-Sport-Ford views the Safari Rally Kenya as a significant opportunity to achieve a commendable result in the World Rally Championship. The extreme conditions of Kenya provide a unique and unpredictable challenge, particularly across the 21 demanding stages. Although M-Sport lacks the extensive resources of rival teams such as Toyota and Hyundai, they have previously shown competitiveness at this event, with Adrien Fourmaux finishing notably in third place last year.

With a relatively inexperienced driver lineup for 2025, consisting of Rally1 driver Gregoire Munster and Irish rookie Josh McErlean, M-Sport has tempered its expectations for the upcoming campaign. Despite their inexperience, both drivers have displayed impressive speed in previous rallies, specifically in Monte Carlo and Sweden. M-Sport team principal Richard Milliner emphasizes a strategic approach to navigating the Safari Rally’s tough stages that could lead to positive outcomes.

Milliner stated, “Kenya is always one of the most exciting, yet extreme, events on the calendar. It’s where big opportunities exist for good results. All our drivers know this, and will approach the event with speed but also sense, as you have to attack the Safari Rally in a very different way to other events.” The team’s best performance to date this year is a sixth-place finish achieved by part-time driver Martins Sesks in Sweden.

Gregoire Munster recognizes the challenges presented by the rally, recalling last year’s struggles when he recovered to a 15th place finish due to a suspension failure. He expressed, “I’m really looking forward to Safari Rally Kenya, it’s probably my favorite event on the calendar… The heavy rain can be really intense, and the terrain is always changing.” Munster feels prepared with his team for this unique challenge.

Josh McErlean also echoed his excitement for the rally, emphasizing that the event tests both drivers and their vehicles to the limits. He noted, “This iconic event pushes drivers, co-drivers, and machines to their absolute limits, and I’m excited to take on its demanding terrain. The guys and girls at M-Sport have worked hard to prepare the cars… Both myself and [co-driver Eoin Treacy] are ready to face this adventure.”

In conclusion, M-Sport-Ford is approaching the Safari Rally Kenya with cautious optimism, viewing the event as a critical opportunity for a strong performance amidst challenging conditions. With an experienced strategy from team principal Richard Milliner and promising drivers like Gregoire Munster and Josh McErlean, the team aims to capitalize on the unpredictable nature of this renowned rally. Their readiness and enthusiasm may yield significant results in this prestigious race.

Original Source: www.dazn.com