After surprising the WRC community on their non-hybrid Rally1 debut in Poland and their Rally1 Hybrid debut at their home round in Latvia, Mārtiņš Sesks and Renārs Francis were handed the keys to the non-hybrid M-Sport Puma for the WRC Rally Chile Bio, which takes place from 26 to 29 June.^th September.

Sesks made his debut in the top-class WRC rally in Poland at the wheel of the non-hybrid Puma, making a dream start that saw him record a second-best time and several top-five times throughout the event, even without the additional power boost of the hybrid unit. Sesks finished the event in an incredible fifth place overall and immediately attracted huge global interest for his next appearance at his home event, Rally Latvia.

When Sesks switched to full hybrid power in Latvia, he surprised fans and fellow riders alike, not only taking his first stage win, but also his second stage win on Friday morning and battling for podium places all weekend.

The two incredible results allowed Sesks to find additional funds to secure another opportunity in Rally1. Rally Chile, the final gravel round of the championship, will give the young Latvian a chance to show his speed on unfamiliar roads. Although Sesks should benefit from the familiar smooth and fast sections of Rally Chile, the South American event is still a big challenge as he has never competed in the event before and will have to create new pace notes from scratch. The chance to compete in the event with the Puma is a great asset not only for Rally Chile itself but also for the WRC.

Sesks’ third opportunity to drive a Rally1 car in Chile is testament to the WRC promoter’s ongoing commitment to bringing young talent into the top category. Their ongoing support for up-and-coming drivers was crucial to his breakthrough performances in Poland and Latvia and underlines their commitment to advancing his career.

Richard Millener, team principal, said:

“Mārtiņš has made a strong impression in his last two events with us, so it is a pleasure to welcome him back to the team in Chile. This will undoubtedly be a demanding event, completely different from the previous ones. With no previous experience in this difficult rally, it is not an easy task, but it is a great opportunity for him to show his versatility and further establish himself as a future talent. We hope that this experience will strengthen his ambition to become a permanent name in the Rally1 class.”

Malcolm Wilson OBE, Managing Director of M-Sport, said:

“It is fantastic to be working with Mārtiņš again. His performances in Poland and Latvia impressed many people and I am very proud that M-Sport can offer him another opportunity to further develop his skills in Rally1.”

“We have done a lot over the years to support up-and-coming riders and I think Mārtiņš has shown that he can be part of that next generation of top riders.”

Mārtiņš Sesks said:

“We are very grateful for the opportunity to drive a Rally1 car again just two months after our last rally. It has been an incredible adventure so far and the driving experience just keeps getting better. Competing in Chile in a Rally1 car is truly incredible, so I would like to thank M-Sport and the WRC promoter for their support and cooperation.”

“Of course it will be quite a challenge, especially when you are competing in a non-hybrid Rally1 car in a rally like this, on slower gravel and at high altitude, which is tough for both the car and the driver. It will be demanding, but we love a challenge. Once again we will be the underdogs, driving a non-hybrid car in a rally we don’t know. But I think we are ready and everyone is motivated to do their best and take on another great adventure with M-Sport this year. We are looking forward to it.”