Inside Rally

There has been a massive increase in TV coverage for this years new generation of the WRC. More speed, more action & more excitement. 2017 has been one of the best and most watched. This means there is more UK TV coverage of Wales Rally GB than ever before! 

With incredibly close racing and possibly a double home win with both titles for M-Sport. This weekends Wales Rally GB must not be missed. 

Here are the places where you can watch all the action, either from the comfort of your sofa on TV – Or with your mates down the pub on your phone using either WRC or Redbull TV app. 

As M-Sport embark on the twelfth and penultimate round of the FIA World Rally Championship, the stage is set for a historic Dayinsure Wales Rally GB – the Cumbrian squad in with a strong chance of securing the 2017 FIA World Rally Championship for Manufacturers and Sebastien Ogier close to claiming the Drivers title once again. 

With the crown within touching distance, M-Sport require just one of their three Ecoboost-powered Ford Fiesta WRCs to reach the flying finish of the final stage. Do that, and the Cumbrians achieve the unthinkable – a private team from the edge of the English Lake District beating some of the world’s largest automotive companies.

If that weren’t enough, Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia also have their first mathematical chance of securing the drivers’ and co-drivers’ titles – giving Malcolm Wilson’s team the potential of a dream double celebration on home soil. 

With a record-breaking 13 Ford Fiestas in the M-Sport service park, the team will have to be at the top of their game and have left no stone unturned in their pursuit of success – success which they hope to celebrate throughout the field.

MALCOLM WILSON TEAM PRINCIPAL

As a driver and a Team Principal, Malcolm Wilson has tasted his fair share of champagne at the British fixture, but this year’s vintage could be the sweetest yet.

Team Principal, Malcolm Wilson OBE, said:

“It’s hard to find the words to describe just what a momentous achievement we are on the verge of securing this week.” 

“When we started developing the Ford Fiesta WRC, I knew we had the people to design a competitive, rally-winning car, and we always hoped to be in this sort of position. Now that it is a reality, it really is hard to find the words.

“But it’s not done yet and we cannot forget just what a challenging event Wales Rally GB can be. The changeable weather, unpredictable grip and long days make it one of the most demanding events of the year. 

“All three of our drivers have proven what they are capable of in Wales, and I have no doubt that all three of them are capable of securing the best possible result. But anything can happen and we must remain at the top of our game to get the job done.”

Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia have an opportunity to rewrite not one but two history books at Wales Rally GB.

Having won the event on four previous occasions, a fifth victory would make the French pairing the most successful in the event’s 85-year history.

A win would also see the reigning world champions retain their crown for a fifth straight season. Second place and a Power Stage victory would also see Ogier and Ingrassia seal the deal – regardless of what their nearest rivals 

Sébastien Ogier said: 

“This event is steeped in motorsport history and I think it’s fair to say that Wales Rally GB is one of the most iconic events on the calendar. It’s one that everyone wants to win and we’ll certainly be hoping to be in the battle for victory.

“It’s one of the most challenging rallies of the year and there is a real art to judging the grip levels through the forests. It’s an event that takes a while to get to grips with – quite literally – but I have to say that I now feel at home on the Welsh stages.

“Clearly, this could be a very special event for the team and it also provides us with our first mathematical chance of securing the drivers’ championship. But we can’t think too much about that. We just need to focus on enjoying the rally and delivering the best performance we can.”
–M-Sport Press release. 

-Photos by Daniel Darrall

Toyota have confirmed this morning that M-Sport’s Ott Tanak has signed to drive the Yaris WRC for the 2018 season. Joining Jari-Matti Latvala and Esapekka Lappi for a three car team next season. 


Ott Tanak took his first WRC win this season in the M-Sport Fiesta in Sardinia. After the gravel event he later on went to achieve a 2nd victory on the tarmac roads of Rally Germany. Proving he has speed and pace on all surfaces, which has made him hot property for the other teams.

Toyota’s 2018 three car team line-up means that, Juho Hanninen will no long be driving for the team and will also miss Rally Australia – despite his improved performance in the second half of the season. 
Juho’s Co-Driver Kaj Lindstrom will take up a new role of sporting director for the Toyota team. A job that was previously done by Mikko Hirvonen’s ex co-driver Jarmo Lehtinen until he left earlier in the season.
Tommi Mäkinen, Team Principal of Toyota Gazoo Racing WRC team said, “We’re delighted to have secured the services of Ott, having had our eyes on him for a while. He represents the perfect blend of youth and experience, together with the right sort of mental attitude that means he will fit into our team very well. Like the Yaris WRC, Ott has exceeded all expectations this year, so I’m sure it will be a strong partnership with both speed and consistency on all surfaces. I’d also like to congratulate Kaj on his new role. One of my favourite memories of my own driving career is our win in Monte-Carlo together; from this, and the experience of working with him since, I know that Kaj is the ultimate professional and he is sure to be a strong asset as we continue our team’s development. Finally, I would like to express my thanks and appreciation for everything that Juho has done for us. He will always be a member of our family, and has played an important part in taking us to where we are today.”

M-Sport Team Principal, Malcolm Wilson OBE, said: “It is with a heavy heart that the team say goodbye to Ott and Martin who have been such an important part of our success this year. There’s arguably been no other driver who I have put as much faith in – or given as many chances – but I recognised his potential straight away. 

“He has always been quick. From the moment he first came to my attention there was no doubting his speed, and in recent years he has developed into the full package – a rally winner and a potential championship contender.

“It’s not easy to say goodbye, but it’s time for Ott to experience pastures new and we wish both him and Martin the very best for the future. Until then, there remain two very important events and I know that Ott and Martin will be giving their all to end their time with the M-Sport family on a high.”

Video footage from Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Pre-event test for the up-coming Wales Rally GB in Wales. Yaris WRC Driven by Esapekka Lappi 16/10/2017

Check out the Pre-event Test Photo Gallery HERE

Film & Photography by Daniel Darrall