M-Sport Ford World Rally Team’s EcoBoost-powered Ford Fiesta WRC is back where it belongs and challenging for the top positions at this weekend’s ADAC Rallye Deutschland. With Sébastien Ogier currently holding second place – and Elfyn Evans just behind in fourth – the Cumbrian squad are on course to secure strong points across all three championships.
Team Principal, Malcolm Wilson OBE, said:
“It’s great to be back fighting for the top results – with both Sébastien and Elfyn in strong positions going into tomorrow.
“Sébastien has been on the pace all day, and it’s great to see him back where he belongs – challenging for another victory behind the wheel of the Fiesta.
“Elfyn too has had a great day. He didn’t have the best road position this morning, but he stuck at it and has every chance of challenging for the podium tomorrow.
“Teemu should also be very pleased with his day. This is his first time in a world rally car on asphalt, and he’s not too far off the pace – giving him a good base to build on as the weekend continues.”
OGIER AND INGRASSIA
Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia are in the fight for victory at this weekend’s ADAC Rallye Deutschland. Currently holding second place, the Frenchmen are just 12.3 seconds adrift of the lead with more than 200 competitive kilometres left to contest.
Mastering the tricky conditions and making the correct tyre choices, the pairing have delivered a fast and clever drive – setting a number of top times whilst keeping their main championship rival firmly behind.
Stage performances:
SS1: 6th (+0.9)
SS2: 1st
SS3: 2nd (+5.0)
SS4: 4th (+3.0)
SS5: 2nd (+0.3)
SS6: 2nd (+1.6)
SS7: 4th (+3.2)
Sébastien Ogier (2nd) said:
“I’m pretty happy with my day. I was pushing hard all the time and the car feels good. The chassis is working really well this weekend and I had a lot of fun driving.
“Hats off to Ott [Tänak] for a really strong day – but of course it is frustrating to see him just that little bit faster than us on almost every stage; making the gap 12 seconds at the end of the day.
“We need to keep trying tomorrow and with Baumholder having a different characteristic you never know what’s going to happen.
“The main target is to stay ahead of Thierry [Neuville], but the second target is to win the rally – so I’m only halfway there! Tomorrow will be a long day and we have to keep trying.”
EVANS AND BARRITT
Elfyn Evans and Daniel Barritt had to contend with a dirtier road due to their later running order, but that hasn’t dampened their hopes of a podium this weekend. Currently holding fourth place, the Brits are just 10.4 seconds adrift of the leading three.
Having the better of those closest to them, the British pairing posted a string of competitive stage times and will continue to push hard for the best possible result – keen to secure their maiden podium on German soil.
Stage performances:
SS1: 20th (+3.8)
SS2: 7th (+8.4)
SS3: 4th (+8.3)
SS4: 7th (+4.7)
SS5: 4th (+4.8)
SS6: 4th (+6.1)
SS7: 5th (+3.4)
Elfyn Evans (4th) said:
“It’s been an okay day and I think we can be pretty happy with the way things have gone. It was a bit of a shame to lose so much time this morning, but that’s just the way it goes sometimes and we have to keep trying. It’s extremely close in the mid-pack, but we’ll give it a good push for the podium positions tomorrow.”
SUNINEN AND MARKKULA
Making his world rally car debut on asphalt, Teemu Suninen has much to learn but has already shown great progress behind the wheel – he and compatriot co-driver Mikko Markkula improving their performance with every kilometre.
The young Finn was unlucky though the first pass of Mittelmosel (SS3) – his rivals completing the stage in dry conditions as he endured the worst of a torrential downpour – but continues to prove a quick learner.
Stage performances:
SS1: 17th (+3.3)
SS2: 11th (+11.3)
SS3: 11th (+34.2)
SS4: 11th (+7.9)
SS5: 10th (+11.7)
SS6: 9th (+10.1)
SS7: 8th (+4.6)
Teemu Suninen (10th) said:
“The feeling has been getting better and better and I have been really happy with the car. This is my first time with this car on Tarmac, but already the level is quite good. There is still a lot to learn and the main thing is the breaking and turning with these cars, but I’m enjoying and looking forward to another challenge tomorrow.”
ELSEWHERE IN THE TEAM
Jourdan Serderidis said:
“It’s been a fantastic day. Yesterday evening was more difficult with a hydraulic issue but I have to say that the M-Sport mechanics did an absolutely fantastic job in service this morning. In 13 minutes I was astonished to see them change the hydraulic system and this gave me an extra boost for the day. We started with some promising times and improved throughout the day – I’m already excited for tomorrow!”
OVERALL CLASSIFICATION
1. Ott Tänak / Martin Järveoja (Toyota Yaris WRC) 59:22.3
2. Sébastien Ogier / Julien Ingrassia (Ford Fiesta WRC) +12.3
3. Thierry Neuville / Nicolas Gilsoul (Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC) +27.4
4. Elfyn Evans / Daniel Barritt (Ford Fiesta WRC) +37.8
5. Jari-Matti Latvala / Miikka Anttila (Toyota Yaris WRC) +38.8
6. Dani Sordo / Carlos del Barrio (Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC) +42.7
7. Esapekka Lappi / Janne Ferm (Toyota Yaris WRC) +42.8
8. Craig Breen / Scott Martin (Citroen C3 WRC) +58.0
9. Andreas Mikkelsen / Anders Jaeger (Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC) +59.0
10. Teemu Suninen / Mikko Markkula (Ford Fiesta WRC) +1:21.4
