Martins Sesks says he has “no idea” where his future lies within the World Rally Championship after impressing in three Rally1 appearances this yr.
The 2023 European Rally Championship runner-up showcased his rising star status after three breathtaking performances in the highest class of rallying because of a program with M-Sport-Ford, part-funded by the WRC organizer.
Sesks' repute as a future talent was enhanced by ending fifth on debut in Poland, then taking a maiden stage win in Latvia and progressing to a probable third place before his Puma suffered a mechanical problem on the ultimate stage.
Last weekend, the 25-year-old took part in Rally 1 for the third time, driving a non-hybrid Ford Puma through the Chile Rally, by which Sesks had never taken part before.
The rally was a steep but precious learning curve after suffering a double puncture on stage two. With just one spare tire at their disposal, Sesks and pilot Renars Francis were forced to retire.
Despite a sudden failure of the rear wing on the penultimate stage, each drivers accomplished Saturday and Sunday's stages with none problems, which allowed them to cover key kilometers of the Rally.
“I think if you told me I would be driving a Rally1 car three times this year, I wouldn't believe you,” Sesks said.
Martins Sesks, Renars Francis, M-Sport Ford World Rally Team Ford Puma Rally1
Photo: M-Sport
“Coming to South America for the primary time and driving a Rally1 automobile was amazing. It was really difficult. The first two times went quite easily, I might say from a driver's perspective, nevertheless it was an actual challenge and I learned quite a bit.
“I think we have learned a lot for the future and now we know how to approach WRC rallies where we don't know the roads.”
Sesek's three performances impressed the M-Sport management, which has not yet confirmed the motive force line-up for next yr. M-Sport lead driver Adrien Fourmaux is at the middle of a silly WRC season, having been linked with a move away from Ford to Hyundai.
When asked about his future within the WRC, Sesks said: “I actually don’t know. We did this rally and I don't know what’s going to occur next. We are able to make the most of every opportunity. It is dependent upon how, when and what we are able to do in the longer term.
M-Sport team principal Richard Millener, who was curious to see how Sesks would cope on unfamiliar roads, felt the rookie performed “great” under the circumstances.
“I think it didn't quite come true what Martins and Renars hoped for,” Millener said. “A small mistake with big consequences on Friday and a difficult final stage and not using a rear spoiler, but I feel they still did an ideal job and gained insight into the experience they should learn to get to the highest of the WRC – that's one in every of the important thing reasons who’re value bringing here.”
