M-Sport’s Ambitious Outlook for Safari Rally Kenya Challenges

M-Sport Ford sees the Safari Rally Kenya as a significant opportunity for success despite limited resources. The challenging conditions create unpredictability, allowing the team to compete effectively. Inexperienced drivers Munster and McErlean are ready for the rally, showcasing promise from prior events. Team Principal Milliner stresses the importance of a cautious yet aggressive approach during this extreme event.

M-Sport Ford perceives the Safari Rally Kenya as a significant opportunity to achieve unexpected success in the World Rally Championship amidst challenging conditions. The event’s extreme elements provide a unique unpredictability, making it an exciting endeavor for competitors across its 21 demanding stages.

Although M-Sport lacks the extensive resources of factory teams such as Toyota and Hyundai, the team has shown competitiveness in this iconic African rally. Last year, star driver Adrien Fourmaux achieved a commendable third place by battling with top championship contenders.

For the current year, M-Sport features a relatively inexperienced driver lineup with Gregoire Munster, a second-year Rally1 driver, and rookie Josh McErlean representing the team for the first time. Despite setting lower expectations, both drivers demonstrated promising speed in previous events held in Monte Carlo and Sweden.

Richard Milliner, the team principal of M-Sport, believes that a cautious strategy for the challenging stages of the Safari Rally could result in a strong performance. The team’s best outcome so far this year was a sixth place finish accomplished by part-time driver Martins Sesks in Sweden.

Milliner remarked on the event’s excitement and opportunity, stating, “Kenya is always one of the most exciting, yet extreme, events on the calendar. There are big opportunities for good results. Our drivers will approach the event with both speed and prudence, as a different strategy is required for the Safari Rally compared to other events.”

Driver Munster anticipates the difficulties of the rally, having recently recovered from a suspension failure in the previous edition. He expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’m really looking forward to Safari Rally Kenya, it’s probably my favourite event on the calendar, just because you experience things there that you don’t see anywhere else. The changing terrain and heavy rain create unique challenges, and I believe our team is well-prepared.”

Rookie McErlean also expressed excitement regarding the rally’s demanding nature and highlighted the extensive preparations made by M-Sport for the event. He commented, “This iconic event pushes drivers, co-drivers, and machines to their absolute limits. The M-Sport team has worked hard to prepare the cars into Safari spec, and we are ready to face this adventure.”

In summary, M-Sport Ford views the Safari Rally Kenya as a prime chance for remarkable achievement within the World Rally Championship. Despite having an inexperienced driver lineup, the drivers are motivated and prepared to tackle the challenging terrain. Team Principal Richard Milliner emphasizes the need for a balanced approach, while both drivers Munster and McErlean express their excitement and readiness for the unique challenges that await.

Original Source: www.dazn.com