M-Sport will run two EcoBoost-powered Ford Fiesta R5 Mk IIs on the mixed-surface stages of next week’s RallyRACC Catalunya – Rally de España as Gus Greensmith and ‘Pedro’ each contest the final round of their respective seasons.
Having secured victories on the asphalt of Monte-Carlo as well as the gravel of Turkey, Greensmith is a proven competitor on both surfaces and will be keen to challenge for another win when he returns to the WRC 2 Pro series next week.
Contesting his first season in the FIA World Rally Championship, ‘Pedro’ has gained a wealth of experience this year and scored points on three of the four events he has contested with the M‑Sport team – something he’ll be keen to replicate as he completes his WRC 2 season.
Team Principal, Richard Millener, said:
“Gus and ‘Pedro’ will both bring their year to a close in Spain, and we’re keen to see them finish what has been two really successful seasons on a high. With these two drivers you can see just how versatile the Ford Fiesta R5 Mk II is, and it’s great to see two very different drivers excelling with this new car at two very different stages of their careers.
“Gus secured his first victories this year, and has proved himself to be a real contender on gravel as well as Tarmac. He played a role in the development of the Ford Fiesta R5 Mk II, and it was very satisfying for him to secure the car’s first win with stage-winning performances at every event he’s contested so far. He’s given us a few heart-in-mouth moments, but there’s never a dull moment and it’s great to see how he’s developed this year.
“We’ve also seen a really strong performance from ‘Pedro.’ This is his first season in the FIA World Rally Championship, and he knows how strong the competition is and how vital it is to have experience of the events. But he’s shown some really good speed and become a regular point-scorer in WRC 2 – something we want to help him deliver again next week.”
Gus Greensmith said:
“It would be great to round off my season with another win next week. The speed is there and I have a really good feeling with the Ford Fiesta R5 Mk II, so let’s see what we can do. I’d love to repeat my wins from Monte and Turkey – although less dramatically than in Turkey!
“I particularly like the gravel stages in Spain. They’re similar to the ones you find in Portugal, but with a few added challenges.
“But the biggest challenge comes on Saturday morning with the change to Tarmac. The technicians change almost the entire set-up of the car on Friday evening, and we have to be quick to adapt straight away.
“This is where the rally can be won and lost, and you can’t afford to lose any time getting used to the surface change. You need to be on it.”
‘Pedro’ said:
“I won three Costa Brava rallies in Spain, but this event is something completely different with two very challenging road surfaces.
“Firstly we will have to tackle the gravel stages, some of which include stretches of asphalt which is a very demanding experience.
“Then the mechanics will change the cars and we’ll tackle the Tarmac stages – some of which can get quite dirty with us running further down the field.
“This won’t be an easy rally for sure, but the important thing for us will be to get the kilometres and the experience.”
