Sesks ensures return to WRC Rally1 with M-Sport

Martins Sesks will return to the highest division of the World Rally Championship this yr after securing a six-round program with M-Sport-Ford.

The highly-rated Latvian impressed in Poland, Latvia and Chile after jumping into Rally 1 with the Ford team last yr as a part of a WRC-backed program.

- Advertisement -

An increase to fifth place behind the wheel of a non-hybrid Puma in Poland was followed by two stage wins in Latvia, where the 25-year-old narrowly missed out on a possible maiden podium when his automotive suffered a technical fault on the ultimate stage. The performances led to a different visit to Chile as Sesks joined the M-Sport drivers' wish list for 2025.

Although attempts to secure funding for a full-time program have failed, an agreement has been reached to stage six Puma driving events, starting with next month's Rally Sweden. Sesks and co-driver Renars Francis will then participate in rounds in Portugal, Sardinia, Greece, Estonia and Finland.

The full M-Sport seats have been filled by Gregoire Munster, retained from last yr, and Ireland's rising star Josh McErlean, who will likely be promoted from Rally2.

“We feel truly honored that our debut in last year's WRC Rally 1 earned such confidence from both M-Sport and [team sponsor] Safety Culture. Additionally, the genuine interest in supporting our efforts from both long-term and new sponsors in Latvia is very exciting,” said Sesks.

“This opportunity gives us great motivation to proceed our journey within the Rally1 WRC class. As we look forward to the 2025 season, we anticipate many latest challenges, but we’re more motivated than ever and able to learn, all while bringing joy to our fans. The probability to compete midway through the 2025 WRC season guarantees to offer invaluable experience for years to return.

Martins Sesks, Renars Francis, M-Sport Ford World Rally Team Ford Puma Rally1

Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

“Our goal is so as to add another Puma event to our current list – a rally in Saudi Arabia. That's why we are going to actively work throughout the season to offer the financial support needed to make this goal a reality.

The announcement comes after M-Sport team principal Richard Millener revealed that the corporate plans to expand its lineup for 2025.

After watching Sesek's impressive performance last yr, Millener hopes the Latvian can construct on his 2024 results.

“I think Martins gained a lot of new fans in a very short space of time last season, and to think that these two performances allowed him to find a six-event program this year is fantastic,” Millener said.

“Of course, without the support of his own sponsors and SafetyCulture, this yr wouldn’t have been possible. An enormous thanks to everyone involved and a shout out to the WRC Organizer who helped increase the budget for recent events. All this support culminated in what we see today.

“I'm very excited to see what Martiņs and Renars can achieve this yr. Chile jogged my memory that not every little thing will likely be easy, but I do know that the speed he has shown, in addition to his determination and character, will make him a implausible addition to our 2025 squad.