M-Sport-Ford aims to capitalize on the unique challenges of the Safari Rally Kenya, seeing it as a valuable opportunity in the World Rally Championship. Despite a team with less experience, drivers Munster and McErlean express readiness and excitement for the event’s unpredictable conditions. The team hopes a sensible approach can lead to success in this extreme rally.
M-Sport-Ford perceives the Safari Rally Kenya as a significant chance to enhance their performance in the World Rally Championship (WRC). The rally’s extreme conditions introduce a level of unpredictability, particularly relevant for the 21 challenging stages involved. Despite lacking the financial might of their competitors, Toyota and Hyundai, M-Sport has previously demonstrated competitiveness, showcased by Adrien Fourmaux’s impressive third-place finish at last year’s event.
Heading into the 2025 campaign, M-Sport’s driver lineup consists of inexperienced full-time participants, including Gregoire Munster and rookie Josh McErlean. Their expectations are now adjusted, although both have displayed promising speed during earlier events in Monte Carlo and Sweden. Team principal Richard Milliner suggests that a prudent strategy during the Safari’s relentless stages could lead to a strong outcome, with their top finish this year being sixth place achieved by Martins Sesks in Sweden last month.
Richard Milliner commented on the event’s unique challenges, emphasizing the need for drivers to adopt a distinct approach compared to other rallies. He expressed excitement for the challenge and the beauty of Kenya, noting, “Kenya is always one of the most exciting, yet extreme, events on the calendar.”
Driver Gregoire Munster acknowledges the rally’s perils from last year’s suspension failure, where he fought back to finish 15th. He shares his enthusiasm for the event’s unique experiences, stating, “The heavy rain can be really intense, and the terrain is always changing… I’m really looking forward to the challenge, I think we are well prepared with the team.”
Josh McErlean echoed Munster’s sentiments, describing the safari as a trial for all components involved in the sport. He expressed readiness as both he and co-driver Eoin Treacy prepare for the rugged terrain, stating, “This iconic event pushes drivers, co-drivers, and machines to their absolute limits.”
Fans can follow the thrilling 2025 World Rally Championship through DAZN’s dedicated Rally TV channel, available as a standalone subscription or an add-on to existing DAZN memberships.
The M-Sport-Ford team views the Safari Rally Kenya as a critical opportunity for achieving competitive results in the World Rally Championship. Despite a less experienced driver lineup, they are optimistic about their preparation and potential for strong performance in the extreme conditions of this iconic rally. With insights from both drivers and team leaders, the focus remains on navigating the challenging terrain and emerging successfully from the rally.
Original Source: www.dazn.com
