M-Sport-Ford Sees ‘Big Opportunities’ at Safari Rally Kenya
M-Sport-Ford sees the Safari Rally Kenya as a significant opportunity, with unpredictable conditions aiding competitiveness. Despite an inexperienced lineup for 2025, both drivers display potential from previous rallies. Team Principal Richard Milliner advocates for strategic driving, while drivers Munster and McErlean express excitement for the unique challenges of the event. The championship races are available on DAZN’s Rally TV channel.
M-Sport-Ford views the Safari Rally Kenya as a significant opportunity to achieve surprising results in the World Rally Championship. The extreme conditions inherent in Kenya level the competition and introduce unpredictability across the 21 challenging stages of the rally. Despite lacking the extensive resources of factory counterparts such as Toyota and Hyundai, M-Sport has demonstrated competitiveness in this grueling environment, as shown by Adrien Fourmaux’s commendable third-place finish last year.
With a relatively inexperienced lineup featuring second-year Rally1 driver Gregoire Munster and Irish rookie Josh McErlean for the 2025 season, M-Sport has tempered its expectations. Both drivers have already exhibited potential during competitions in Monte Carlo and Sweden, where the team’s top result was a sixth place finish by Martins Sesks.
Team Principal Richard Milliner emphasizes that adopting a sensible strategy for the demanding stages of the Safari Rally may yield positive outcomes. He recognizes the event’s harsh nature but expresses enthusiasm for the challenge, stating, “Kenya is always one of the most exciting, yet extreme, events on the calendar.”
Munster, recalling last year’s difficulties after experiencing a suspension failure, remarks on his excitement for the Safari Rally, citing its unique combination of wildlife encounters and challenging terrain. He acknowledges the impact of heavy rain and shifting surfaces, adding, “I think we are well prepared with the team and we had a good pre-event test.”
McErlean echoes this sentiment, expressing excitement about confronting the rally’s demanding landscape. He highlights the hard work of the M-Sport team in preparing cars to safari specifications, notably the addition of snorkels as an adaptation. He states, “Both myself and [co-driver Eoin Treacy] are ready to face this adventure and whatever it throws our way.”
For viewers wanting to follow the action, the 2025 World Rally Championship will be available through DAZN on its dedicated app channel, Rally TV, with options for tailored subscriptions. DAZN serves as the global home of Rally TV, with exceptions for several countries, and broadcasts every race of the European Rally Championship as well.
In conclusion, M-Sport-Ford anticipates significant opportunities at the Safari Rally Kenya, leveraging the event’s unpredictable conditions to potentially achieve favorable results. With a mix of experience in their lineup, the team aims to apply strategic approaches to navigate the challenging course. As both drivers prepare for the demanding terrain, the enthusiasm surrounding this iconic event promises an intriguing spectacle for rally fans.
Original Source: www.dazn.com
