M-Sport has retained the winning partnership of Matt Edwards and Alex Laffey ahead of the 2019 British Rally Championship.
Last year saw Edwards deliver a third successive title for the EcoBoost-powered Ford Fiesta R5, and the Cumbrian squad have no desire to relinquish their home-soil crown this year.
Dominating the championship with inspired performances on both gravel and asphalt, Edwards was very much the man to beat in 2018 and will be looking to further perfect his performance in 2019.
Joined by new co-driver Patrick Walsh, Edwards starts his championship defence at next month’s Cambrian Rally and will be looking for a strong opening result at his home event.
Last year also proved something of a breakthrough for Laffey who delivered a sensational one-two finish for the Fiesta when securing second place in the drivers’ championship.
Clinching his maiden podium as well as his first fastest stage time on gravel at last year’s Wales Rally GB, the Scotsman is keen to continue his development and challenge for further podiums this year.
Joined by experienced co-driver and fellow countryman Stuart Loudon, the pairing are perfectly placed to continue their progression and make further strides in 2019.
M-Sport Managing Director, Malcolm Wilson OBE, said:
“The British Rally Championship has always been close to my heart, and it’s great to continue our winning partnership with Matt and Alex this year. They both delivered breakthrough performances last year, and are both hungry for more so I’m exciting to see what they can do in 2019.
“The Fiesta has won the past three British Rally Championships – with Elfyn Evans in 2016, Keith Cronin in 2017 and of course with Matt in last year. Our goal is to maintain the crown for a fourth year in succession and our team will work hard to ensure the drivers have everything they need to succeed.”
