M-Sport made history as Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia won the first round of the 2017 FIA World Rally Championship at the legendary Rally Monte Carlo.
That was a first win for Ogier and M-Sport in their first together and a first for the new Ford Fiesta WRC. The triumph came five years after the team’s last win at the 2012 edition of Wales Rally GB. The celebrations were all the sweeter with a double podium – Ott Tänak and Martin Järveoja overcame all obstacles to secure third place.
All three Fiesta WRC drivers secured stage victories during the weekend – three for Ogier, one for Tänak and a further three for Elfyn Evans. The team was also the only manufacturer to secure a one-two on individual stage times – not once, not twice, but three times.
M-Sport Team Principal Malcolm Wilson said:
“I can’t put into words the feeling in the team right now. It’s been five years since we have stood on the top step of the podium. And I can tell you that it’s a feeling we want to continue.”
“Once again, we have won on our debut with a new car and I think that just goes to prove the high level of expertise we have in this company. You just have to look at the performance of all three drivers – Sébastien, Ott and Elfyn all securing stage wins.”
“We have got a great base car in the Ford Fiesta WRC. We know that we’ve still got a lot of work to do. But we’ve certainly got something good to work with.”
“Again, I cannot praise the team enough. This result is down to their hard work and dedication. Each and every one of them – here on event and back home at Dovenby Hall – should be extremely proud of what we have achieved this weekend.”
Happy to be celebrating a first win with @MSportLtd! Congrats guys! pic.twitter.com/RCB4E4a9lt
— Sébastien Ogier (@SebOgier) 22 January 2017
