M-Sport Ford World Rally Teams

[WRC1]

Craig breen doing Italian tarmac championship. This will get him drive in sardegna at least https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190227/dc7df42781677bc650bed037d453a1e7.jpg

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Sardinia is on Tarmac? thats new to me... ;) I think Craig will do CIR (Campionato Italiano Rally) wich is the Main Italian Rallye Champinship with Rallyes on Tarmac as well as Rallyes on Gravel.. :)

[DocMS]

Sardinia is on Tarmac? thats new to me... ;) I think Craig will do CIR (Campionato Italiano Rally) wich is the Main Italian Rallye Champinship with Rallyes on Tarmac as well as Rallyes on Gravel.. :)I need to think before I actually write :)

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[Fast Eddie WRC]

If you are referring to Absolute Rally, it's not like he mentioned Abu Dhabi without asking. Of course he has to be polite because there's very little bridges to be burned, although inside he's probably mad at them for taking away the financial support that cost him the WRC seat for this year.

I don't see how supporting Breen would revert Abu Dhabi's decision not to support WRC this year, since they announced returning in 2020. https://twitter.com/F_Gustavsson/status/1068803632538234881 And it may not be with Citroen since they basically waved goodbye to them. https://twitter.com/khalidbinfaisal/status/1076199911400574977

At this point I would see Breen doing at most some rounds in an M-Sport Fiesta and/or maybe a few WRC2 outings.

Paid for by ?

[tommeke_B]

Paid for by ?

People with money... He has already done some events as a privateer with a Fiesta WRC you know...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

People with money... He has already done some events as a privateer with a Fiesta WRC you know...

That was way back in 2014 in a rented Irish car. There arent any 2017-spec cars there now.

And any such car costs a lot more to run than the earlier WRC's.

If Abu Dhabi come back to sponsor Citroen in 2020 it could mean a third car. That may be where Breen has a couple of 2019 drives to get him ready.

[AnttiL]

So you're assuming all of these things will happen:
1. Abu Dhabi will return to WRC in 2020
2. Abu Dhabi will return to Citroen WRT
3. The return will mean a third car for Citroen WRT
4. The third car will be driven by Craig Breen instead of any other driver out of contract for 2020.
5. Because of this, Abu Dhabi will buy drives for Breen from Citroen in 2019

Also, I'm still considering the clash of Abu Dhabi and Red Bull a possible reason for their year off and maybe even a reason for moving to another team (maybe M-Sport). But this as highly speculative as any of the statements above.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

So you're assuming all of these things will happen:
1. Abu Dhabi will return to WRC in 2020
2. Abu Dhabi will return to Citroen WRT
3. The return will mean a third car for Citroen WRT
4. The third car will be driven by Craig Breen instead of any other driver out of contract for 2020.
5. Because of this, Abu Dhabi will buy drives for Breen from Citroen in 2019

.

These are my ideas for the most likely way Breen will get some WRC action in 2019, considering his statements.

[mknight]

1-3. is very likely, but step 4. is imo rather unlikely and then 5. sounds like pure fantasy.

ref 4. Sadly Breen was slower than Østberg on most gravel rallies where they started together which looks negative for a role of "reliable point scorer". Citroen already have Lappi as a joker that could possibly win rallies.

[Andre Oliveira]

We have some more aerodynamic advancements on @ElfynEvans’ Ford Fiesta WRC this weekend - with updates to the dive planes for improved downforce efficiency. Spot it if you can �� The update will be on both cars in Corsica ���� #WRC #FordPerformance #RallyMexico

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D1ENJ8TXgAEac_W?format=jpg&name=large

[stefanvv]

We have some more aerodynamic advancements on @ElfynEvans’ Ford Fiesta WRC this weekend - with updates to the dive planes for improved downforce efficiency. Spot it if you can �� The update will be on both cars in Corsica ���� #WRC #FordPerformance #RallyMexico

Is that where the yellow arrow is pointing?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Is that where the yellow arrow is pointing?

No that will be for the tow.

Its the part above, where the lower dive plane is now turned up.

[stefanvv]

No that will be for the tow.

Its the part above, where the lower dive plane is now turned up.

I was kidding, but thank You anyway. I spotted it right away.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I was kidding, but thank You anyway. I spotted it right away.

Ha ha sorry !

[stefanvv]

Doesn't seem to help so far. but fingers crossed for the rally.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Just hearing there is a report in Motorsport News about Evans and Suninen working together pre-Rally Sweden, and they found something 'radical' to improve the Fiesta's performance...

[lluisva555]

WRCWings review of the aero modification announced today by M-Sport for the Fiesta WRC of Evans:

https://www.wrcwings.tech/2019/03/07/aero-modification-in-the-front-of-the-ford-fiesta-wrc-in-mexico/

[mknight]

Wonder if they need to use homologation joker for something as small as that? I suppose not since teams changed their mirrors without that?

[racerx1979]

Just hearing there is a report in Motorsport News about Evans and Suninen working together pre-Rally Sweden, and they found something 'radical' to improve the Fiesta's performance...

Yes, this is true. It's called Seb Ogier....

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Yes, this is true. It's called Seb Ogier....

Ogier only had half as many fastest stage times as Neuville, and many less than Tanak, last season....

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Don’t forget, you can become one of the #MSPORTERS by joining the M-Sport Supporters’ Club 👉🏼 https://t.co/6yzzO9OaFo #WRCLive https://t.co/7R3fROROwb

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Good to hear Evans positive despite the TDC ending and the team has certainly provided some good car development. :)


“Perhaps it’s not the result we wanted, but the pace is there and I think we can all take confidence from that moving forward," he said.

"We’ve had a pretty strong start to the season so far and I’ve been really happy with the Fiesta on all four of the opening rounds. The guys back at M-Sport are working exceptionally hard and making improvements all the time. I see no reason why we can’t continue this form into the coming events.”

[steve.mandzij]

Good to hear Evans positive despite the TDC ending and the team has certainly provided some good car development. :)


“Perhaps it’s not the result we wanted, but the pace is there and I think we can all take confidence from that moving forward," he said.

"We’ve had a pretty strong start to the season so far and I’ve been really happy with the Fiesta on all four of the opening rounds. The guys back at M-Sport are working exceptionally hard and making improvements all the time. I see no reason why we can’t continue this form into the coming events.”I'm so excited for Elfyn, he's really impressed me so far. After 2017 he was really in the spotlight to prove he only won and nearly won because of the Dmacks, and it looked like it was over after last year. But he's been quick, consistent and confident over the last rallies and im excited to see him win once this year.

[dimviii]

Good to hear Evans positive despite the TDC ending and the team has certainly provided some good car development. :)


“Perhaps it’s not the result we wanted, but the pace is there and I think we can all take confidence from that moving forward," he said.

"We’ve had a pretty strong start to the season so far and I’ve been really happy with the Fiesta on all four of the opening rounds. The guys back at M-Sport are working exceptionally hard and making improvements all the time. I see no reason why we can’t continue this form into the coming events.”
how is it possible without Ford backing?
Ogier didnt leave because of NOT enough resources for development?

[Tarmop]

Well, Ogier himself wasn`t cheap for sure, atleast when you compare him to the current and previous lineups. Also many of these developments were probably made last year already. The aero, which today seems to work just fine with SACHS dampers, something that was introduced last year in Finland and didn`t work properly at all.

Plus they have said, that they continue to boost their performance to get another titlecontender in their team for 2020.

[AnttiL]

I must have said it elsewhere as well but there's a clear difference from Elfyn and Teemu of 2018 to those of 2019. This year they have had more testing days and more freedom to set the car up to their liking, instead of merely fine-tuning a champion's settings.

[deephouse]

M-Sport have extra 10 mio or more to spend for development now when Ogier leave.

[AnttiL]

M-Sport have extra 10 mio or more to spend for development now when Ogier leave.

And how much less Red Bull sponsor money?

[spiderem]

silly season, M-Sport to have a fast and reliable car all 2019 and convince Tanak to come back for 2020 after him being fed up of the puncture on the Yaris.

[Tarmop]

That was Wilsons idea yes, "Ott or someone similar" he said, i believe.

[mknight]

That was Wilsons idea yes, "Ott or someone similar" he said, i believe.

Nobody "similar" is free for 2020. (meaning Ogier and Neuville).

There are drivers that won multiple rallies and some of them will likely be available (Latvala, Meeke, Mikkelsen), but I am not sure any of them fits that kind of comment atm. (each for their own reason)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Seems a lot of the development is in the aero which Ford Performance were already doing.

[AMSS]

Seems a lot of the development is in the aero which Ford Performance were already doing.

Weren`t they suppose to get a completely new engine also this year?

[AnttiL]

Weren`t they suppose to get a completely new engine also this year?

They did.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

They did.

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/139139/msport-decides-not-to-use-upgraded-engine-for-gb

When did they start using this new engine ?

[AnttiL]

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/139139/msport-decides-not-to-use-upgraded-engine-for-gb

When did they start using this new engine ?

Monte, I suppose

[lluisva555]

Wonder if they need to use homologation joker for something as small as that? I suppose not since teams changed their mirrors without that?

According to the updated list of homologations published today by FIA, Ford would have used a joker for the bodywork on March 1st, so the answer to your question is (very probably) yes (the modification of the front bumper they introduced in Mexico)

[AMSS]

Monte, I suppose

I remembered reading this somewhere.. basically a bigger engine modification is still to come if this article is correct, Monte was just a small upgrade.

https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/msport-ford-future-ogier/4312112/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I remembered reading this somewhere.. basically a bigger engine modification is still to come if this article is correct, Monte was just a small upgrade.

https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/msport-ford-future-ogier/4312112/

“We could have some new engine parts for Monte, things like changes to the injectors – bigger stuff will come later, when we’re looking at a completely new cylinder head. These are big parts needing big investment and this is where Ford is really helping on the technical side of things, they’ve been doing a lot for us.”

That's what I thought, a few upgrades, not 'a completely new engine'.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Autosport 🔴LIVE with @ElfynEvans!

At 19:00 over on our Facebook page, we're going live from M-Sport with Elfyn Evans following his character-building Tour de Corse. Get your questions for him in, down in the comments ⬇️

Follow this link and get involved: https://t.co/4LD42nFR4H https://t.co/I9JsW8tFRG

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Teemu’s monkey hasn’t disappeared quite yet... it’s on his seat, not his shoulder now. :)

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D4__4KqXoAcCkY-.jpg:large

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Back in the service park, work on repairing @ElfynEvans’ Fiesta for Chile continues - fabricator Dean first on the job this morning...

https://twitter.com/MSportLtd/status/1122483180399931392

[T16]

Can't see it happening...

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/143094/msport-aims-to-poach-tanak-from-toyota-for-2020

[mousti]

MSport enters Bouffier for Ypres with Ford Fiesta WRC New Gen.

Verstuurd vanaf mijn ONEPLUS A6013 met Tapatalk

[er88]

What Wilson is saying about Tanak being the only driver he'd even want, doesn't exactly bode well for drivers like Breen/Paddon/Ostberg trying to get back into the WRC. Nevermind other drivers with contracts expiring who could be needing to look for new drives.

[mknight]

Afaik those that drive now and don't have contract next year are:
Latvala, Meeke, Mikkelsen. Not sure about Sordo.

Given results from last 6 moths none is clearly better choice than Evans for the future 2 years. This can off course change, before Spain last year it looked impossible for Evans to continue.

Anyway these drivers now occupy 3 (+0,5 with Sordo), seats. There will also likely be one more seat at Citroen. Someone has to fill all those.

[AnttiL]

Let's reverse that, the only drivers who have a contract for 2020 are:
Ogier Citroen
Lappi Citroen
Loeb Hyundai
Neuville Hyundai (until 2021)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Wilson knows what all of us do, that Tanak is the only other 'available' driver that could win the WDC in 2020.

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D5gBRoaW0AAk02Y?format=jpg&name=large

[T16]

Behind the scenes at M-Sport Argentina / Chile prep video, from Autosport:

https://www.autosport.com/video/id/uS382oDKcFE/behind-the-scenes-at-msport-as-they-prepare-for-argentina-and-chile

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Best pics yet of the new Fiesta R5 (thanks Planetemarcus) !

Today @ValtteriBottas visited France to test the new @MSportLtd Ford Fiesta R5 (codriver Jarmo Lehtinen) ► http://bit.ly/2M422kb

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D6wztKXWwAAO-Xg.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D6wztKWXoAAXkXw.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D6wztKSXYAAz-E7.jpg

[jbmarcus21]

You're welcome ;)

[racerx1979]

Must say the Fiesta is a one good looking car in rally trim

[er88]

Looks great

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Elfyn Evans blog - year so far and Portugal/ Sardinia ahead...

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/amp/2019/05/elfyn-evans-blog-tough-start-to-the-year-but-we-have-the-pace

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Gus Greensmith says M-Sport's Ford Fiesta WRC car now 'makes sense' to him ahead of his World Rally Car debut in Portugal this weekend, having felt like the car was from "another world" when he first tested it.

https://t.co/tWOjNxyJx3

[Sulland]

M-Sport need a Team-Captain.
The car is a winner, but none of the drivers are yet.

[Barreis]

yeah, they need Ogier :D

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Or Tanak back.

[deephouse]

Or Evans is just behind all of these three.

[steve.mandzij]

How would Latvala fare, I wonder?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/143933/msport-reveals-new-fiesta-r5-car

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D8dvRgNXUAEggbQ.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D8dv19jXsAA0oo4.jpg:large

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://www.m-sport.co.uk/single-post/2019/06/07/THE-ALL-NEW-FORD-FIESTA-R5

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Greensmith on his 10 year journey to WRC:
http://www.racerviews.com/2019/06/11/gus-greensmith-it-is-10-years-of-my-life-to-get-to-this-moment/

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D8xiedaXUAAdCOx?format=jpg&name=medium

[Sulland]

The price of the R1 made a big jump
https://www.m-sport.co.uk/single-post/2019/06/11/INTRODUCING-THE-ALL-NEW-FORD-FIESTA-R1

[mousti]

And nobody cares about that class..

Verstuurd vanaf mijn ONEPLUS A6013 met Tapatalk

[Mirek]

The price of the R1 made a big jump
https://www.m-sport.co.uk/single-post/2019/06/11/INTRODUCING-THE-ALL-NEW-FORD-FIESTA-R1

For a reason. The car is way better equipped than the DS3 R1.


And nobody cares about that class..

Well, this car is actually close to the Adam Cup philosophy which actually worked pretty good. I wouldn't write it off. Having a sequential gearbox is a good step imo.

Current Fiesta R1 + R2 is pretty much the same as Adam Cup + R2 with a difference that both M-Sport cars are FIA homologated.

Anyone knows how much the Adam Cup car cost?

Let's look at it from this point of view. previously Fiesta R2 was always somewhat R2 light car, cheaper and slower than the top R2 cars and it was used for many one make cups. Now the new R2 is a top notch car which is of course very expensive for the one make cups hence the need for something cheaper for them - this R1.

In the end we really come to the pretty much same combo as Opel had.

[mousti]

I though around 35.000 euro, or maybe a bit more ..

Verstuurd vanaf mijn ONEPLUS A6013 met Tapatalk

[Got Mail]

I though around 35.000 euro, or maybe a bit more ..

Verstuurd vanaf mijn ONEPLUS A6013 met Tapatalk
They list at €39000 but when purchased through entry to the ADAC Adam Cup the price was €26000.

A real bargain.

[Mirek]

They list at €39000 but when purchased through entry to the ADAC Adam Cup the price was €26000.

A real bargain.

Thanks, Opel made some modifications to make it cheaper at the cost of it not being FIA eligible car (fuel tank for example).

[racerx1979]

That's pretty cheap for a car equipped with a Sadev Sequential

[Mirek]

Adam cup car has also Sadev sequential gearbox.

EDIT: Maybe You meant the Adam, right?

[Mirek]

I just got an important info...

It is possible to upgrade this R1 to a full-spec. R2.

That brings the situation even further than Opel managed. It allows this car for a young driver to grow with him. I think that this justifies the higher price a lot!

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D96WOH6WwAAJ2RP?format=jpg&name=900x900
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D96WOH-WwAELzrl?format=jpg&name=medium

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Show Neuville this view Bryan ! ;)

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D-EpY5ZXUAEBkNY.jpg

[Rallyper]

I just got an important info...

It is possible to upgrade this R1 to a full-spec. R2.

That brings the situation even further than Opel managed. It allows this car for a young driver to grow with him. I think that this justifies the higher price a lot!

I might be wrong, but wasn´t that the case with Adam too? Upgrading was possible from Adam Cup to R2 specification, I mean.

[wrc2017]

Ford Europe just annouced 12,000 job losses and closing 5 plants in Europe.. 20% reduction in capacity...ouch.

[AL14]

Ford Europe just annouced 12,000 job losses and closing 5 plants in Europe.. 20% reduction in capacity...ouch.

Huge. In Italy also general car industry production is down 17% last three months (if I remember right).

[wrc2017]

Huge. In Italy also general car industry production is down 17% last three months (if I remember right).

Next global recession isnt far away.

[Allez Andruet]

Ford Europe just annouced 12,000 job losses and closing 5 plants in Europe.. 20% reduction in capacity...ouch.

Luckily, in this case, M-Sport is an independent entity. Had the WRC program been run by a division of Ford Motor Company, we'd have three manufacturers in 2020.

[wrc2017]

Ford still puts in money and resourses

[Allez Andruet]

Ford still puts in money and resourses

And that's so much more easier to do, when the support is going to a private company.

[wrc2017]

And that's so much more easier to do, when the support is going to a private company.
Its the perception

[Allez Andruet]

Its the perception

It's the money and where you take it.

[Got Mail]

I might be wrong, but wasn´t that the case with Adam too? Upgrading was possible from Adam Cup to R2 specification, I mean.

No - that wasn't possible with the Adam.

[Andre Oliveira]

���� Deividas Jocius • Mindaugas Varza

“Never give up!

Ford Fiesta WRC 19,
200km of tests with World Rally Champions rally car!

Thanks to my best friends, partners and family who supported and believe in me all the time!

More info soon..

Thanks to the best team ever M-Sport!“

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D_I0saIWwAARgY9?format=jpg&name=medium

[masa90]

Sorry, but who are they? At least I do not recognise them.

[AnttiL]

A Lithuanian driver who has driven previously Evo's and such in local events, last year switched to R2 and WRC events only.

[drive]

���� Deividas Jocius • Mindaugas Varza

“Never give up!

Ford Fiesta WRC 19,
200km of tests with World Rally Champions rally car!

Thanks to my best friends, partners and family who supported and believe in me all the time!

More info soon..

Thanks to the best team ever M-Sport!“

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D_I0saIWwAARgY9?format=jpg&name=medium

He is ether fast or accident prone... but anyhow, spectacular to watch
https://www.ewrc-results.com/profile/4942-deividas-jocius/

[mousti]

Sorry, but who are they? At least I do not recognise them.

BR21 (Bartek) Will probably know more about this.

[br21]

BR21 (Bartek) Will probably know more about this.

D. Jocius tested Fiesta WRC, drove almost 200km in Greystoke forest, has some plans with that car, but we will see...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

M-Sport's Malcolm Wilson is celebrating 40 Years in Business this summer!

His companies have gone from strength to strength and we now operate a thriving motorsport business on the stages and circuits of some of the world’s most celebrated championships!

➡️ Read more: https://t.co/a9Fguw9uSp

[Sulland]

Congrat on 40 to MSport and Malcolm!

Who will they bring in for Germany and maybe also Turkey?

[TypeR]

Congrat on 40 to MSport and Malcolm!

Who will they bring in for Germany and maybe also Turkey?

Malcolm should drive himself, wouldn't make a big difference in the results I think :D

[mknight]

Finland and the few weeks around have been disastrous for MSPORT on multiple levels.
- R5 car not performing
- Suninen not up to speed
- Evans out
- Paddon out

Even worse is that with both Evans and Paddon out it's not possible to say how much was the car and how much the driver in Suninen's case.

All this is very bad news for getting Tänak for next year.

Even worse is if Evans can't start in Germany as in Corsica Fiesta was prbly the fastest car and now they risk having nobody to show it's speed in Germany.

[deephouse]

Even worse is if Evans can't start in Germany as in Corsica Fiesta was prbly the fastest car and now they risk having nobody to show it's speed in Germany.

Well, they could devour their pride and call up Paddon, Tidemand, Greensmith, Ostberg, Bouffier or even Camilli to drive it there (I mean for free).

[mknight]

Well, they could devour their pride and call up Paddon, Tidemand, Greensmith, Ostberg, Bouffier or even Camilli to drive it there (I mean for free).

None of these is a top tarmac driver. Camilli best imo. Breen even better if he is available.

[AnttiL]

None of these is a top tarmac driver. Camilli best imo. Breen even better if he is available.

Camilli was rumored to have a WRC start?

[mknight]

Think they said it on allive yes.

[deephouse]

None of these is a top tarmac driver. Camilli best imo. Breen even better if he is available.

Who is? Tanak, Ogier and Neuville. The rest of the field is second or third tier drivers. And with only those guys available at the moment I think it should be one of them. Even Evans is not top driver so they could not lose much.

[Tarmop]

Evans was about to win Corsica ahead of the trio and has shined previously also, so you could say he is quite good on black stuff. All the others you mentioned are quite the opposite when it comes to tarmac. Specialist Bouffier had two go`s and well, not the expected result. Camilli has been good in R5 and current speed in WRC is unknown so can`t say anything.

[Morte66]

It would make a strange kind of sense for Breen to do Germany for M-Sport, then later Wales for Hyundai. Hard to see it happening, but...

[doubled1978]

Evans was about to win Corsica ahead of the trio and has shined previously also, so you could say he is quite good on black stuff. All the others you mentioned are quite the opposite when it comes to tarmac. Specialist Bouffier had two go`s and well, not the expected result. Camilli has been good in R5 and current speed in WRC is unknown so can`t say anything.
I can’t believe Bouffier would be considered for the ‘works’ car, Camilli could be an option, but I doubt he will be in the frame for other outings. If it were me, either Paddon or Breen would be best option. I know Paddon is no tarmac expert, but Breen wasn’t very good there last year either, more or less the same as Ostberg. The way Malcolm was talking on AllLive he didn’t sound confident at all that Evans would even be back for Turkey, so it might be possible to run Breen in Germany, and Paddon in Turkey....if Evans can’t drive I’d like to see that.

[steve.mandzij]

Evans was about to win Corsica ahead of the trio and has shined previously also, so you could say he is quite good on black stuff. All the others you mentioned are quite the opposite when it comes to tarmac. Specialist Bouffier had two go`s and well, not the expected result. Camilli has been good in R5 and current speed in WRC is unknown so can`t say anything.I was shocked to see Bouffier's speed on Tarmac, I genuinely expected him to pull off something nice.

As for Camilli, I think he has improved from his disastrous year at M-Sport but he shouldn't be put in a WRC until it's a given that he won't put his life at risk behind the wheel.

[mknight]

I was shocked to see Bouffier's speed on Tarmac, I genuinely expected him to pull off something nice.


It's 5 years since he was 2nd on Monte, times change.

[Got Mail]

I would think it would be more important for M-Sport to put the quickest driver available in the R5 car.

That is where their income comes from, not WRC1.

They really, really need a decent result from that new car.

[Andre Oliveira]

What future to R5? Hire Jan Kopecky?

M-Sport should picked Grøndal or Tidemand to NORF. Lets see Germany... Camilli very strong in tarmac.

[Sulland]

Agree on Kopecky. If he wants to drive a Ford, he would give valuable input.

Otherwise I would look to Italy, many capable asphalt expert there.
Bonato from France is another good option.

[deephouse]

Well at the moment they led the WRC2 Pro for manufacturers. So it's not bad at all.

[Andre Oliveira]

That car would win in Lukyanuk hands ;)

[rallyfiend]

Following Eric's performance in Finland, I would be very surprised if he's ever used by M-Sport again....

Probably time to look for someone else for Germany and Turkey....

[Rallyper]

To me problem at MSport spells money. MW never offer free rides. Not in Finland either.
So in the longtherm he will be the looser. Starting already.

So he never got payback in any way from Finland, making Skoda selling even more R5 cars in the future...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The problem is the new Fiesta R5. It has been off the pace in the hands of several drivers now (incl Suninen). The car itself needs to be sorted (certainly on gravel) - not just trying yet another driver.

Also it hasnt run on a tarmac event yet so may prove much better on that surface. People who tried it at their HQ on tarmac praised it highly.

As for the WRC Team, Evans is a big loss and that has to be taken into account. Also they do have upgrades coming on the car but they may just be taking a bit longer than expected.

Dont panic.

[pantealex]

Well at the moment they led the WRC2 Pro for manufacturers. So it's not bad at all.

Skoda is leading PRO Manufacturer, M-Sport had 84 points lead after 5-rallies...

[pantealex]

The problem is the new Fiesta R5. It has been off the pace in the hands of several drivers now (incl Suninen). The car itself needs to be sorted (certainly on gravel) - not just trying yet another driver.

Also it hasnt run on a tarmac event yet so may prove much better on that surface. People who tried it at their HQ on tarmac praised it highly.

Dont panic.

That ERC Italy was on tarmac...

[Mirek]

What future to R5? Hire Jan Kopecky?


Agree on Kopecky. If he wants to drive a Ford, he would give valuable input.

I'm pretty sure that he won't be travelling to UK to do the same job as in Škoda. Besides that I feel like he doesn't want to drive anything in the future.

[AMSS]

From Suninens after stage interview today (ewrc), I must have missed something or what new aero does M-sport have here?

"The stages were quite rough and it looks like the new aerodynamics is working well in fast stages! Let's see, it's not going to be easy to catch ten seconds but we will do our best. Anyway, fourth position wouldn't be bad."

[mknight]

It was a joke since he was missing front splitter and half the front bumper was hanging down.

[AMSS]

It was a joke since he was missing front splitter and half the front bumper was hanging down.

OK THX. just had a look at the after stage interviews as I had no chance to follow live today ;)

[stefanvv]

Finnish humor?!?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Rich Millener
A real shame to say goodbye to @ElfynEvans - it’s been great to work with him since the start of his career. It’s been a blast and you deserve this new challenge. Good luck mate. #EE33 @MSportLtd @OfficialWRC https://t.co/w0TU0OecFC

[Fast Eddie WRC]

We wish @ElfynEvans the best of luck with his new challenge. He's long been a part of our family, and it was a pleasure watching him develop into a world-class driver over the past ten years. Thank you Elfyn.

➡️ More from Malcolm, @richmillener and Elfyn: https://t.co/vdd9Dp2ONJ https://t.co/YymkZAzs0e

[AndyRAC]

Typically classy comments from M-Sport. They really are a 'family' team.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Latvala is definitely not coming to M-Sport as a full or part-time driver.

https://yle.fi/urheilu/3-11090228

[Sulland]

Time for Malcolm and Mads to stop acting like women, grow up and call it bigones. They both need eachother this year.

[TypeR]

Why would Wilson need Mads? ! If Wilson has Suninen, most likely Lappi and $$ Gus, then it should be pretty good..

[the sniper]

Why would Wilson need Mads? ! If Wilson has Suninen, most likely Lappi and $$ Gus, then it should be pretty good..

I think he'll be happy with that. Ideally you'd want Gus in a fourth car and Mads in the third, as Mads can be a solid regular points scorer. Though given that I doubt the Manufacturers Championship positions come with any great financial incentive to do well (unlike F1), it probably doesn't matter where you finish, so entirely makes sense for the third car to be a paid for drive.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I dont see Østberg goung back to M-Sport after all he's said back in 2017. And Malcolm doesnt need him with so many others seeking a seat.

Paddon should be the kind to be given any possible chances. Østberg has had plenty.

[deephouse]

Third seat will be shared between few drivers. I think that even Tidemand could give another try. Paddon and maybe Mads, Greensmith or some other payed driver. But I think that some guys like Bertelli and other sunday drivers will not take that seat away even if they have plenty of money.

[AnttiL]

But I think that some guys like Bertelli and other sunday drivers will not take that seat away even if they have plenty of money.

Bertelli has his own car. Serderidis used M-Sport's services in 2018 (and Kremer in 2017), but in 2019 we didn't have any proper Sunday drivers on M-Sport Fiestas.

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EL-IZeGWkAEP_lp?format=jpg&name=large

[rallyfiend]

Bertelli has his own car. Serderidis used M-Sport's services in 2018 (and Kremer in 2017), but in 2019 we didn't have any proper Sunday drivers on M-Sport Fiestas.

There was that guy who ran in JanPro’s car in Finland...

[AnttiL]

There was that guy who ran in JanPro’s car in Finland...

JanPro is not M-Sport.

[RAS007]

So driver line-up is: $uninen, E$apekka, Gu$ Green$mith and possibly Mad$ O$tberg.

[Rally Power]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EL-IZeGWkAEP_lp?format=jpg&name=large

Probably one of the major responsibles for Ford still being involved in this sport. Happy retirement to him and fingers crossed for Ford rally future.

[Allez Andruet]

So driver line-up is: $uninen, E$apekka, Gu$ Green$mith and possibly Mad$ O$tberg.

No need to use the $ on Suninen and Lappi. Neither one will pay for their drives, that I think is quite certain (assuming they're both driving for M-Sport in 2020).

[er88]

No need to use the $ on Suninen and Lappi. Neither one will pay for their drives, that I think is quite certain (assuming they're both driving for M-Sport in 2020).Suninen is a pay driver though. It's the only reason he's been at Msport the last few years .

[Allez Andruet]

Suninen is a pay driver though. It's the only reason he's been at Msport the last few years .

Well that we can argue whether he's a "pay driver" by definition or not. Ofcourse the door to M-Sport was originally opened by Jouhki's € and connections, but for the past two seasons he has not been a so-called pay driver. And this I can say I know.

[wrc2017]

Well that we can argue whether he's a "pay driver" by definition or not. Ofcourse the door to M-Sport was originally opened by Jouhki's € and connections, but for the past two seasons he has not been a so-called pay driver. And this I can say I know.

both paying.

[BobJones]

Lappi is 'contributing' towards his 2020 seat. The term 'pay driver' is a grey one these days...

[AnttiL]

Suninen is a pay driver though. It's the only reason he's been at Msport the last few years .

Richard Millener said in an interview that "Evans and Suninen are the only drivers we support financially", regarding the WRC2Pro team being actually pay drivers.

[AnttiL]

Will be interesting to see how much of Elfyn's rumoured £2.4m salary is absorbed back into the team...

and Tänak's...;)

[dimviii]

Richard Millener said in an interview that "Evans and Suninen are the only drivers we support financially", regarding the WRC2Pro team being actually pay drivers.

support isnt necessary meaning that they pay them with some million/s

[BobJones]

Richard Millener said in an interview that "Evans and Suninen are the only drivers we support financially", regarding the WRC2Pro team being actually pay drivers.

True. It's a ~half-pay gig for Teemu. Needs some funds via sponsorship, but not the full amount as M-Sport subsidise. I believe that's the deal offered to Lappi too, provided he can find the necessary backing to plug the gap.

[er88]

Yep. Suninen isn't a pay driver in the sense of Greensmith (paying full costs of a drive), but he brings substantial budget/backing/support to help Msport run him.

That's why I'm a bit pissed with what Msport are seemingly doing. So many good drivers available, who would drive for free or a minimal yearly salary (in WRC terms), yet they are seemingly wanting Lappi to bring some budget - on top of Teemu and Guss who are already helping with funding. No ambition to put out the best possible 3 car team (which could've been done with Mikkelsen, Meeke, Paddon, Lappi, Latvala, Breen etc etc for relatively nothing).

They were prepared to try and get Tanak but since that didnt work out, they're happy to use this situation to see what drivers are the most desperate for a seat and can source backing. I hope for one, they can at least give Paddon a drive in an event or two.

I understand they dont have full Ford backing, but this was a great chance for Msport to sign two new drivers on the cheap and create a really strong team despite that.

[deephouse]

Paddon said that he will be loyal to Hyundai NZ and probably not try to ''get back''in Fiesta after two failed attempts with it. He is aiming to be back maybe in a few years, but I think that he doesn't have that much hope anymore. If he would do good in TCR NZ with i30 I think that Hyundai could bring him to WTCR maybe.

[Allez Andruet]

It seems to be lost in the discussion that M-Sport is a private company, not a marketing arm of a giant car manufacturer. They're in it to make profit and in that sense it should be praised that they're 1) still in and 2) seemingly running two credible drivers again in 2020.

[deephouse]

They are/were better than Citroen with factory backed funding for last three years. Proper commited with no whatsoever money and still kick their asses.

[mknight]

They are/were better than Citroen with factory backed funding for last three years. Proper commited with no whatsoever money and still kick their asses.
In 2019 MSport ended behind Citroen in manu Standings despite running 3 nominated cars on multiple events while Citroen always ran 2. In previous years Msport did beat Citroen but Citroen also didn't run 3 cars on multiple events in 2018.

Anyway while I agree that it is nice that MSport is in and understand that they are there to run a business the succes of their business depends on them showing similar speed to the other cars. This in turn makes (partly/fully) paying drivers join them and also makes them attractive to other coming drivers.
So imo they do depend on having at least one somewhat proven driver to provide reference to other drivers and help with car setup/development. Suninen is not yet there (as he said himself in Finland). Lappi might help with that, but he isn't really much different than Suninen in terms of WRC experience.

[deephouse]

Comparing Lappi and Suninen is total nonsense. Lappi shows tremendous step up right away while Suninen seems to struggle more and more. Right now maybe Lappi did a mistake to come to Citroen, but he is more capable of challenging for title than Suninen will ever be. Just wait.

[mknight]

Comparing Lappi and Suninen is total nonsense. Lappi shows tremendous step up right away while Suninen seems to struggle more and more. Right now maybe Lappi did a mistake to come to Citroen, but he is more capable of challenging for title than Suninen will ever be. Just wait.

Lappi and Suninen started driving WRC at almost same time (2 rallies difference) so they are the two most natural ones to compare. This year Suninen ended 9th with 89 points and Lappi 10th with 83. In stage wins it's 7 to 6 for Lappi.

There are differences for sure, but even last year at Toyota Lappi was going slightly backwards. He had good results in first half of the season but when Toyota upgraded the car and became clearly fastest in the second half of the season Lappi just moved backwards. Sure his move to Citroen was decided just before that and could have an effect. At Citroen he has the most extremely mixed record possible. Great pace in 3 rallies, and no pace + crashes in 10 others.

Suninen has a bit of an opposite trend with mediocre start and slowly improving (specially on tarmac).

Therefore right now I don't see a huge difference between them. "Future potential" is just speculation at this point. One thing they have in common (that imo comes down to experience) is the issues they have in rallies outside Europe. For last two years they are regularly among the last WRCs, minutes behind or crash.

This brings us back to my main point, which is not a Lappi/Suninen comparison: MSport should have one experienced fast driver and they did have one in recent years. (Evans in 2019, Ogier in 2017-2018, Østberg in 2016). Last time they lacked one was in 2015, which was quite bad year and first in a two year decline. As it looks now history might repeat itself.

[RS]

Lappi and Suninen started driving WRC at almost same time (2 rallies difference) so they are the two most natural ones to compare. This year Suninen ended 9th with 89 points and Lappi 10th with 83. In stage wins it's 7 to 6 for Lappi.


Suninen was driving the car which won the previous two world titles and Lappi was driving the car which the guy who won those two titles abandoned after one year.

Lappi had a bad year for sure but I feel with the right environment and a good car he has more potential than Suninen who seems ‘solid’ but hasn’t really shown anything special over the last couple of years.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Of course M-Sport wanta to do well, but without one of the Big 3 driver's they arent going to be able to fight for Championships. Plus the competition is mega-tough against the huge budget Asian teams.

Therefore it makes sense to hire young drivers with potential and ambiton and some sponsors rather than older guys who arent going to win anything now. Suninen & Lappi plus GG/Pontus is ideal.

[mknight]

Therefore it makes sense to hire young drivers with potential and ambiton and some sponsors rather than older guys who arent going to win anything now. Suninen & Lappi plus GG/Pontus is ideal.

To show or realize potential these drivers need a competitive package and someone for comparison.

Evans wouldn't be able to go to Toyota if he didn't show race winning speed in Corsica but "only" beat his inexperienced teammates. Similarly Tanak went to Toyota both because he won rallies in 2017 and because he was often faster than Ogier.

For a perfect anti-example look at Finland this year. Suninen was slowest factory WRC except Greensmith, but nobody could say whether it was his own fault, car being slow or setup being bad. He himself said he missed someone to help with car setup. Then you had Greensmith who was the slowest WRC but only had Suninen as reference in same car.

If the package is not competitive and there is no driver to compare with the new guys will rather drive WRC2 (where MSport isn't the fastest) or other semi-factory teams or try to get to Toyota/Hyundai etc.
Btw. Rovanpera is a great recent example, instead of going semi-pay route with MSport in 2019, he stayed in WRC2 spot at Skoda and now went directly to Toyota, bypassing MSport business model.
O. Solberg seems to be heading in the same direction as well at the moment (WRC2 with factory support).

To be very precise, right now ideal lineup for MSport from my view would be Lappi, Suninen, and Latvala or Mikkelsen (Paddon would work too, but he doesn't want) with Greensmith doing a few drives on his own money. But it actually looks like both Latvala and Mikkelsen prefer to do a few rallies at Toyota/Hyundai instead of having to bring budget to MSport, which in the end is a loss for both sides.

[RAS007]

But it actually looks like both Latvala and Mikkelsen prefer to do a few rallies at Toyota/Hyundai instead of having to bring budget to MSport, which in the end is a loss for both sides.


This.

[RS]

Mikkelsen is the only one i would have picked over Lappi. Perhaps less future potential but on the other hand more experienced now. Feel both could give their careers a boost with a change of team/car.

[Andre Oliveira]

So, team will be announced ONLY in Autosport International.

[RS]

So, team will be announced ONLY in Autosport International.

Surely they will announce before then.. maybe just livery at the Autosport show?

Otherwise when are they planning to go testing?

[Nelly]

So, team will be announced ONLY in Autosport International.Surely the Monte entry list will be released well before then


Sent from my SM-A520F using Tapatalk

[T16]

Where did you read this, if you don't mind me asking?

[KiwiWRCfan]

Where did you read this, if you don't mind me asking?

refer to this tweet https://twitter.com/Autosport_Show/status/1208039410668847106?s=20

[Andre Oliveira]

Pic of Phillip Dixon

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EMff7RrXsAIdwtQ?format=jpg&name=medium

[go mads]

Maybe a Christmas day announcement? They've done it before....

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EMjjfJnXYAARG_g?format=jpg&name=medium

[Andre Oliveira]

https://scontent.fopo3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/s960x960/80877595_3140978095931596_7076006947132014592_o.jp g?_nc_cat=109&_nc_ohc=EIYnC7_aLxoAQnrB8-F_dL2gBRXXABx4IIithn69Yv_xc86Wl0SYSfJ4A&_nc_ht=scontent.fopo3-1.fna&oh=b6f45e3c61f455cefa9c7aa61c0d8080&oe=5E6CFBBA

[Andre Oliveira]

M-Sport:
Wishing all #MSPORTERS a fantastic evening and a very Happy New Year �� Look out for news of our 2020 lineup in the coming days ��

[Allez Andruet]

Team Finlandia!

[Rallyper]

Suninen, Lappi, JML...

[bassist]

Suninen, Lappi, JML...

Confident of that??

[Allez Andruet]

Suninen, Lappi, JML...

Minus JML.

[bassist]

Minus JML.


Well, you Finns should know! Kris?????

[Andre Oliveira]

Gus

[bassist]

Gus



Hahahahah , nice one! yea, Matthew Wilson!!!

[Andre Oliveira]

Better than 2 cars only no?

[bassist]

Better than 2 cars only no?



When are they announcing then? Seems a bit overkill if it's just Lappi!

[Allez Andruet]

When are they announcing then?

Most likely in a day or two. Lappi was contractually tied to Citroen till Dec 31 and it's been speculated that it may have delayed the announcement. I'd also put all my money on combination of Lappi, Suninen and Greensmith. With atleast the first two driving all rallies.

[pantealex]

Monte entries will go public 13th January
but
MSport has to start testing...

I hope there will be also others than Gus in that 3rd car during 2020

[bassist]

Most likely in a day or two. Lappi was contractually tied to Citroen till Dec 31 and it's been speculated that it may have delayed the announcement. I'd also put all my money on combination of Lappi, Suninen and Greensmith. With atleast the first two driving all rallies.

Oh well, Shame, just as I thought!

[Rallyper]

Minus JML.

Probably. But to me a real team has three proper drivers. (Gus not included)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Official
https://www.m-sport.co.uk/single-post/2020/01/02/YOUNG-AND-AMBITIOUS-TEAM-FOR-2020

[bassist]

Official
https://www.m-sport.co.uk/single-post/2020/01/02/YOUNG-AND-AMBITIOUS-TEAM-FOR-2020

Oh well, there we go, best of luck to them.

[mknight]

While certainly not unexpected the 2 car+one "paydriver" for 9 events is certainly not the best possible lineup. That would have been Latvala or Mikkelsen as one of 3 fulltime drivers with Greensmith in 4th car. But it didn't look like neither the mentioned drivers nor MSport were really interested in that.

[T16]

Well at least Greensmith will bring some funding to help support the team, if nothing else. Good on him!

[AnttiL]

While certainly not unexpected the 2 car+one "paydriver" for 9 events is certainly not the best possible lineup. That would have been Latvala or Mikkelsen as one of 3 fulltime drivers with Greensmith in 4th car. But it didn't look like neither the mentioned drivers nor MSport were really interested in that.

Remember: M-Sport is interested in having non-paying drivers in two scenarios
1) they will most likely win the title (case Ogier)
2) they are young and will most likely end up being well paid factory drivers for some years and bring some return to the investment (case Tänak, Evans)

Latvala doesn't really fit these conditions, not sure if Mikkelsen would either...also, Latvala wants to stay loyal to Toyota in order to fight for Ogier's seat for 2021. Not sure what Mikkelsen's planning...

[mknight]

Sure for MSport "business concept" Latvala doesn't fit in at all and Mikkelsen has seemingly less "potential" than Lappi. On top of that the first two don't want to pay (dunno how the deal went with Lappi since his manager also doesn't like to pay).

Thing was that Latvala or Mikkelsen would help both Lappi and Suninen in terms of experience, car setup/development and also work as someone to measure against in same car. This would help MSport business model in the longer term as well as both Lappi and Suninen.

This way there is a real danger that Lappi and Suninen will only have each other to race and compare against. Lappi was struggling with setup at Toyota even when the car was clearly fastest at end of 2018 and at Citroen he struggled in most rallies, Suninen similarly had setup issues when Evans was out.
For their near future it is important to a) beat the other one (this works well with this MSport deal), b) Don't be overshadowed by Rovanpera and Evans (this might be an issue)

I would expect that MSport hires some experienced driver next year when the new car development starts though.

[deephouse]

There are still 4 maybe 5 events when Greensmith will not driving. Sweden, Kenya, NZ and Japan. In NZ I really can see Paddon.

[AnttiL]

It's true that M-Sport doesn't now have an experienced guy to develop new homologations and make setups for rallies, or to be a benchmark from the car speed (remember Finland 2019, was it the drivers or the car that was slow?). But it would be quite expensive to solve that by hiring someone like Latvala or Mikkelsen.

Also, remember that Lappi probably has a special deal with Citroen salary and Ponsse support.

[Sulland]

If Lappi likes the Fiesta and can "gel" with it, he will be a contender for top spot, and could be the big surprize in 2020!

[AnttiL]

The question is: has the car been left behind in terms of development? Could even Ogier or Tänak win rallies with it?

[mknight]

It's true that M-Sport doesn't now have an experienced guy to develop new homologations and make setups for rallies, or to be a benchmark from the car speed (remember Finland 2019, was it the drivers or the car that was slow?). But it would be quite expensive to solve that by hiring someone like Latvala or Mikkelsen.

Also, remember that Lappi probably has a special deal with Citroen salary and Ponsse support.

With the current situation in WRC I actually think this was perfect position for MSport to get one of them very cheap/no cost, something that is not likely to repeat next year imo (with Ogier + maybe Loeb and even Sordo retiring, and JML will also likely be in much worse form).



If Lappi likes the Fiesta and can "gel" with it, he will be a contender for top spot, and could be the big surprize in 2020!

- I don't think Fiesta with any driver will be a contender for top spot in 2020, not when Hyundai is pushing massively in development and drivers and Toyota already has an edge over Fiesta from 2019 and there is seemingly no real development going on at MSport. (no testing for long time even with many test days available)
- He is still an enigma in many ways. Specially second half of 2018 was a huge letdown. So just about anything can happen both ways.

[Allez Andruet]

https://yle.fi/urheilu/3-11141513

Lappi has already driven the Fiesta in December and says it felt more rational and more logical (than Citroen).

[Fast Eddie WRC]

It would be hard for any other car to compete with the Toyota & Hyundai machines. Their budgets would blow Ford out of the water even if they were full-time. Plus they are likely to have B-teams too.

The Fiesta's reliability and ruggedness is likey to earn M-Sport their best points. Speed on the occaisional rally may still be there but the opposition is mighty...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Gus Greensmith sounds like this is his year for spending big and trying to to prove himself...

@GreensmithGus
Big risk, big reward, car #44 for the M-Sport Ford World Rally Team 2020.

[RS]

Gus isn't too bad, has some potential and without him it would probably just be two Fiestas so no complaints here. I see the car is free for Sweden (Tidemand?)

[Allez Andruet]

I see the car is free for Sweden (Tidemand?)

Free to be rented.

[Andre Oliveira]

Engine evolutions in Monte-Carlo.
Aero improvements later in season.
https://www.rallit.fi/esapekka-lapin-sopimuskuviot-menivat-nopeasti-uusiksi-uuden-tiimin-autoon-tulossa-parannuksia/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Translation:

Updates for Monte:
Lappi is well on his way to testing the Fiesta as the team begins to prepare for the season-opening Monte Carlo rally. Lappi and Suninen travelled to France on Thursday for a test day.

An updated engine for Monte is coming to the car and later in the summer more new parts will be added to that side. A new aerodynamics package is coming also. They also seem to be developing the car, so I have a pretty good feeling about this.

[tomhlord]

Translation:

Updates for Monte:
Lappi is well on his way to testing the Fiesta as the team begins to prepare for the season-opening Monte Carlo rally. Lappi and Suninen travelled to France on Thursday for a test day.

An updated engine for Monte is coming to the car and later in the summer more new parts will be added to that side. A new aerodynamics package is coming also. They also seem to be developing the car, so I have a pretty good feeling about this.

Ah good, M-Sport was falling a bit behind on the engine evolutions front.

[mknight]

Yes any updates for Msport are good news, time will tell how many and how much they do.

Will probably have to use relative speed of Evans and Suninen for comparison.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Lappi: "I don't see why it couldn't succeed. Development parts are coming in and then the car should go stronger. I think there can be big surprises about how hard our car can go." :)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Testing has started...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ENWyR8-WwAEZdMp?format=jpg&name=900x900

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Gus Greensmith sounds like this is his year for spending big and trying to to prove himself...

@GreensmithGus
Big risk, big reward, car #44 for the M-Sport Ford World Rally Team 2020.

His family business and main sponsor Crown Oil's revenue has increased from £144,600,000 (2018) to £197,500,000 (2019) ...

[T16]

His family business and main sponsor Crown Oil's revenue has increased from £144,600,000 (2018) to £197,500,000 (2019) ...

Is that profit?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Is that profit?

If only...

2019 Accounts show the Gross Profit as £36.6m, and Net Profit £6.6m.

Net Assets are £25.5m.

[doubled1978]

If only...

2019 Accounts show the Gross Profit as £36.6m, and Net Profit £6.6m.

Net Assets are £25.5m.

Those numbers leave plenty of room for Gus’s marketing/advertising campaign ��

[T16]

Just bullish talk or are they really confident?
https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/147825/msport-to-bring-big-change-to-engine-in-2020

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Just bullish talk or are they really confident?
https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/147825/msport-to-bring-big-change-to-engine-in-2020

The car wasnt far off last season. Evans should've won in Corsica and Suninen showed some good pace at times. Engine upgrades will only help.

[AnttiL]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EN1MnVnWoAAxzA0?format=jpg

https://twitter.com/MSportLtd/status/1215211723566780416

Blue and white matches neatly the Finnish flag ;)

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EN1MnVqWkAMNQ-x?format=jpg&name=large

[T16]

https://twitter.com/esapekkalappi/status/1215212587362766849?s=21

Would be nice to see it without such similar background colours.
Looks like Ford have more prominence, not just the badge either.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Looks cool.

Still no big sponsor again though.

[T16]

Looks cool.

Still no big sponsor again though.

Makes me wonder if they need one. I guess between self sponsorship (M-Sport), Castrol and the Ford input, they have enough to run a whole season. Aside from bringing more money to reduce the running costs and pay wages, I wonder if a title sponsor would actually allow for more development and therefore a faster car? Or would they simply operate at the same performance level, but with reduced costs for M-Sport?

[er88]

Damn, I think that looks class

[AndyRAC]

Makes me wonder if they need one. I guess between self sponsorship (M-Sport), Castrol and the Ford input, they have enough to run a whole season. Aside from bringing more money to reduce the running costs and pay wages, I wonder if a title sponsor would actually allow for more development and therefore a faster car? Or would they simply operate at the same performance level, but with reduced costs for M-Sport?

It's a fair point - but they obviously 'cut their cloth' accordingly; they are a well run team and make the most of everything they have. A larger budget is always going to help, especially in development, etc however, I do wonder whether a larger budget can sometimes get wasted on non essentials.
If they couldn't get a title sponsor when they won drivers & manufacturers titles, then it's going to be difficult to get one now they're not as successful. And is possibly a reflection of were the sport is to the outside world - rather than the smaller world of rallying.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Makes me wonder if they need one. I guess between self sponsorship (M-Sport), Castrol and the Ford input, they have enough to run a whole season. Aside from bringing more money to reduce the running costs and pay wages, I wonder if a title sponsor would actually allow for more development and therefore a faster car? Or would they simply operate at the same performance level, but with reduced costs for M-Sport?

Everyone can use more money. Toyota & Hyundai have plenty but still have major sponsors on their cars...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

If they couldn't get a title sponsor when they won drivers & manufacturers titles, then it's going to be difficult to get one now they're not as successful.

Ogier brought Red Bull.

[Andre Oliveira]

Pic by Floor It Photography

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EN1UCD2W4AA47Py?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EN1UCDvX4AINk7i?format=jpg&name=large

[T16]

Everyone can use more money. Toyota & Hyundai have plenty but still have major sponsors on their cars...

Yes, I get that more money is helpful, but I'm wondering if it would help with development and make for a faster car or that it would just help with the other costs etc..

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EN1VreRX4AA828i?format=png&name=small
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EN1VreXX4AAJa-C?format=png&name=900x900

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Yes, I get that more money is helpful, but I'm wondering if it would help with development and make for a faster car or that it would just help with the other costs etc..

Ford are only providing 'technical advice'. If M-Sport had a bigger budget they could use it to pay for more guys from FP to work on it full-time.

[BigWorm]

Look's very good, M-Sport have done it again.

Always liked the Castrol green combined with blue and white (much like their 2012 livery)

[Allez Andruet]

So the coolest livery in 2020 is a no-contest. No matter if the other two are yet to reveal theirs.

[cali]

Beautiful!

Sent from my ONEPLUS A5010 using Tapatalk

[EstWRC]

I knew they wouldn’t let me down.

Beautiful as always. Reminds me of 2017 Ott’s livery but with more Finnish white on it.

[liposh]

Where are all those Qatars and Abu Dhabis sponsors? :-)

[doubled1978]

Looks fantastic.....really good.

[Andre Oliveira]

Greensmith one should be different.

[T16]

Ford are only providing 'technical advice'. If M-Sport had a bigger budget they could use it to pay for more guys from FP to work on it full-time.

Ford have done a lot of work on the engine.

[Arnold Triyudho Wardono]

Reminds me with 2003-05 liveries..

Sent from my Redmi 6 using Tapatalk

[Rallyper]

Lovely livery!! Indeed!

Finnish flag colours, yes. But also Ford heritage colours from ancient time. ;)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Driver interviews at -4:27

https://youtu.be/kUB4mmHeLwE

[deephouse]

Where are all those Qatars and Abu Dhabis sponsors? :-)

At the Dakar...

[Andre Oliveira]

R5

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EN2olWCWAAAQn_O?format=jpg&name=medium
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EN2ol1iXUAUkFc4?format=jpg&name=medium

[Japé]

;) It is a matter of taste but 2019 MSport dark livery looked better than new one.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Livery reveal & M.Wilson / R.Millener interviews from 35 mins in....

https://youtu.be/kUB4mmHeLwE

Amongst the info was that more support has been given by Castrol this year.

[pantealex]

;) It is a matter of taste but 2019 MSport dark livery looked better than new one.

Yes. and NO.

[Got Mail]

Livery reveal & M.Wilson / R.Millener interviews from 35 mins in....

https://youtu.be/kUB4mmHeLwE

Amongst the info was that more support has been given by Castrol this year.

Castrol have just lost the VW Group official supplier status to Shell.

I doubt they want another big player to fall.

[danon]

https://i.postimg.cc/c4Csc7C4/F8-B2894-F-7845-404-A-BD3-D-875-E56-B4-E84-F.jpg

[HKSjbg]

Am I reading to much into it or have they gained an ‘FMC’ on their number plates comparing with last year?

[rallyfiend]

Ogier's car had that when launched a couple of years ago.

[swanny]

Powered by what? :D

[Norm75]

Powered by what? :D

Ahaha good spot!

[doubled1978]

Ahaha good spot!

Amusing...

[EstWRC]

haha danon you cheeky bastard!

[T16]

Ogier's car had that when launched a couple of years ago.

Wasn’t that WRT 1? If so, they loaned that from a local haulier that they have an association with (I may well be wrong though).

[Fast Eddie WRC]

More likely than powered by an actual Ecoboost engine... :rolleyes:

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Another angle:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EN23-GjUwAIStvh?format=jpg&name=4096x4096

[Alex009]

Wasn’t that WRT 1? If so, they loaned that from a local haulier that they have an association with (I may well be wrong though).

They had V1 FMC, S1 FMC and X1 FMC at 2018 and 2019. WRT1 and WRT2 were at 2017.

[T16]

They had V1 FMC, S1 FMC and X1 FMC at 2018 and 2019. WRT1 and WRT2 were at 2017.

Knew I was wrong! :)
Cheers.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Lappi interview
https://www.thepitcrewonline.net/2020/01/10/interview-with-esapekka-lappi-autosport-international-2020/