Sesks secures WRC Rally1 return with M-Sport

Martins Sesks will return to the World Rally Championship’s top flight this year after securing a six-round programme with M-Sport-Ford.

The highly-rated Latvian impressed in outings in Poland, Latvia and Chile after making the leap to Rally1 with the Ford squad last year, as part of a programme supported by the WRC Promoter.

A run to fifth driving a non-hybrid powered Puma in Poland was followed by a pair of stage wins in Latvia as the 25-year-old narrowly missed out on a likely maiden podium finish when a technical fault struck his car on the final stage. The performances earned another outing in Chile as Sesks joined M-Sport’s driver wish list for 2025.

While attempts to secure funding for a full-time programme have fallen short, a deal has been reached to run six events behind the wheel of the Puma, beginning next month at Rally Sweden. Sesks and co-driver Renars Francis will then participate in rounds in Portugal, Sardinia, Greece, Estonia and Finland.

M-Sport’s full-time seats have been filled by Gregoire Munster, retained from last year, and Irish rising star Josh McErlean, who will make the step up from Rally2.

“We feel truly honoured that our debut in the WRC’s Rally1 last year has fostered such trust from both M-Sport and [team sponsor] SafetyCulture. Additionally, the genuine interest from both long-standing and new sponsors from Latvia in supporting our efforts is very thrilling,” said Sesks.

“This opportunity provides us with immense motivation to further our journey in the WRC’s Rally1 class. As we look ahead to the 2025 season, we anticipate many new challenges, but we are more motivated than ever and ready to learn, all while bringing joy to our fans. The chance to compete in half of the 2025 WRC season promises to deliver invaluable experience for the years to come.

“Our goal is to add one more event with the Puma to our current list, the rally in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, we will be actively working throughout the season to secure the financial support necessary to make this goal a reality.”

The announcement comes after M-Sport team principal Richard Millener revealed that the operation had been eyeing an expansion of its line-up for 2025.

After witnessing Sesks’ impressive display last year, Millener is hoping the Latvian can build on his 2024 results.

“I think Martins made a lot of new fans in a very short space of time last season, and now to think that those two performances have allowed him to find a six-event programme this year is fantastic,” said Millener.

“Obviously without the support of his own sponsors, and SafetyCulture, this year wouldn’t be possible. A big thank you goes to all involved, as well as a mention to the WRC Promoter, who helped to raise the budget for the events last season. The culmination of all this support has come together to deliver what we see today.

“I am really excited to see what can be achieved by Martiņs and Renars this year. Chile was a reminder that it won’t all be plain sailing, but I know that the speed he has shown, plus his determination and character, will make him a fantastic addition to our 2025 line-up.”