M-Sport caught a few of the WRC service park by surprise at Rally Estonia after showing up with an updated version of its ‘Rally2’. The so-called Ford Fiesta Rally2 Evo was used by Jari Huttunen in the seventh round of the World Championship calendar and although the Finnish driver’s final result in the WRC2 category was not as expected, the sensations with the new car were positive. With the data obtained in Estonia, in M-Sport they are optimistic.
In fact, the British structure hopes that the Ford Fiesta Rally2 Evo package of novelties will mark more differences in the next rallies compared to its predecessor in terms of top speed and grip in fast corners, key points in an event like Finland -although not there will be present-. In this sense, Richard Millener is confident that the new M-Sport ‘Rally2’ will be competitive throughout this season, since the adjustments made to the car are not numerous, but very important.
It is worth remembering in this regard that the Ford Fiesta Rally2 Evo features a new rear wing with a longer end plate that now connects to the rear of the car. In addition, it has dividers in the center of the spoiler. The mirrors have also been redesigned, with a final style similar to those of the Ford Puma Rally1 in order to improve airflow. The car is equipped with a new rear suspension package to improve vehicle stability on all types of surfaces and new control software.
Regarding the new Ford Fiesta Rally2 Evo and the level it can offer in future events, Richard Millener as head of M-Sport has pointed out: “The comments we received from Jari Huttunen after the Estonian Rally were positive. We are happy with the speed that Jari showed with the new car when everything worked well. In a rally as fast as the one in Estonia it is something to take into account and that invites us to be optimistic for Rally Finland, since the profile of the stages is very Similary”.
In this line, the person in charge of M-Sport has added: “We are confident in the novelties of the car and we know that the Ford Fiesta Rally2 Evo has the necessary speed to fight for important things. Surely in future rallies it can show its level”. However, the Ford Fiesta Rally2 Evo will not be present in the WRC2 category of the Rally of Finland, as Jari Huttunen will compete with a fifth unit of the Ford Puma Rally1 hybrid in his debut in the premier class together with Craig Breen, Adiren Fourmaux, Gus Greensmith and Pierre-Louis Loubet.
Photos: FIA WRC