M-Sport Ford has announced that Mārtiņš Sesks and Renārs Francis will compete in six rounds of the World Rally Championship this season behind the wheel of a Rally1 Ford Puma.
The 25-year-old Latvian’s first event is Rally Sweden next month, followed by Portugal, Sardinia, Greece, Estonia and Finland.
Sesks stunned fans and peers alike with his maiden appearance in Poland. Claiming the second-fastest time on Friday’s opening stage, Sesks kept close to the championship leaders throughout the weekend, and despite running the less powerful non-hybrid Puma, he finished his first Rally1 outing in fifth overall.
Sesks’ full-hybrid debut in Latvia was even more impressive, claiming his maiden stage win on the third stage of the rally and going on to spend most of the weekend fighting for the podium positions, cruelly denied a maiden podium with a last stage technical issue.
Support for Sesks’ 2025 campaign comes from his personal sponsors as well as M-Sport’s sponsor SafetyCulture.
Richard Millener, Team Principal, M-Sport Ford World Rally Team, said:
“I think Martins made a lot of new fans in a very short space of time last season, and now to think that those two performances have allowed him to find a six event programme this year is fantastic.
“Obviously without the support of his own sponsors, and SafetyCulture, this year wouldn’t be possible. A big thank you goes to all involved, as well as a mention to the WRC Promoter, who helped to raise the budget for the events last season. The culmination of all this support has come together to deliver what we see today.
“I am really excited to see what can be achieved by Mārtiņš and Renārs this year. Chile was a reminder that it won’t all be plain sailing, but I know that the speed he has shown, plus his determination and character, will make him a fantastic addition to our 2025 line-up.”
SafetyCulture’s founder Luke Anear , said:
“Martins is a natural talent. He has an X-factor in his driving and his approach to the sport is refreshing. He has demonstrated that he has the pace to beat the best in the world, so it’s going to be exciting to see him at the top level again in 2025.”
The young driver is excited about the new development in his career path.
“We are very excited to continue our collaboration with the M-Sport Ford World Rally Team this year! We feel truly honored that our debut in the WRC’s Rally1 league last year has fostered such trust from both M-Sport and SafetyCulture. Additionally, the genuine interest from both long-standing and new sponsors from Latvia in supporting our efforts is very thrilling!
“This opportunity provides us with immense motivation to further our journey in the WRC’s Rally1 class. As we look ahead to the 2025 season, we anticipate many new challenges, but we are more motivated than ever and ready to learn, all while bringing joy to our fans. The chance to compete half of the 2025 WRC season promises to deliver invaluable experience for the years to come.
“Our goal is to add one more event with the Puma to our current list, the rally in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, we will be actively working throughout the season to secure the financial support necessary to make this goal a reality.”
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