Sébastien Ogier and Ott Tänak secured a double podium for the Ecoboost-powered Ford Fiesta WRC at RallyRACC Catalunya – Rally de España. The result puts M-Sport within striking distance of the manufacturers’ crown needing just four points over the remaining two events to seal the deal.
The Fiesta posted fastest stage times on both gravel and asphalt and accounts for five of the overall top-eight positions.
Lifting their podium tally to 16, M-Sport also continues their unbroken record of top-three finishes. A Fiesta driver has claimed the silverware on every event contested thus far.
There was also good news further down the field. Teemu Suninen claimed victory in the WRC 2 category with the Ford Fiesta R5. Nil Solans secured the WRC 3 win as well as the FIA Junior World Rally Championship title with the Ford Fiesta R2.
Team Principal, Malcolm Wilson, said:
“We might not have taken the win, but it almost feels that way. Another double podium is fantastic and extends our lead in both championships. If that weren’t enough, Ott has also moved up to second in the drivers’ standings.”
“To have our two drivers leading the way is something we never thought possible, and Elfyn [Evans] too is just one point shy of climbing into the top-five. It just goes to show that the whole team has done an incredible job and I think we can look forward to a really special event on home soil in two weeks’ time.”
“We’re continuing to show that we have a competitive package on every surface with stage wins on both gravel and Tarmac and another two podium finishes to keep our record-breaking run on track.”
“But it’s not just the top-specification Fiesta that is performing well. Teemu Suninen secured the WRC 2 victory with the Fiesta R5, and Nil Solans secured the WRC 3 win and the Junior WRC title with the Fiesta R2. All round, it has been a great weekend for the team.”
Another double podium for the team @RallyRACC courtesy of @SebOgier and @OttTanak ?? The team have now secured 16 podiums this year! ?? #WRC pic.twitter.com/58OSq2Bzhj
— M-Sport (@MSportLtd) October 8, 2017
