M-Sport is closely monitoring Martins Sesks’ Rally Chile performance as an “extended audition” in the World Rally Championship, assessing the young driver’s abilities for potential future opportunities. The Latvian driver, along with co-driver Renars Francis, has been granted a third outing in the Ford Puma Rally1 this year after impressive showings in Poland and Latvia, finishing fifth and seventh respectively.
The chance to pilot a non-hybrid powered Puma in Chile has been made possible through additional support from the WRC Promoter, which helped fund Sesks’ last two Rally1 appearances. Sesks’ growing reputation as a promising talent was further solidified by securing maiden stage wins in Latvia and challenging for a podium finish before a mechanical issue hindered his performance on the final stage.
At just 24 years old, Sesks has caught the attention of M-Sport, positioning him as a potential contender for more drives in the future as the team deliberates its options for the 2025 season. Team principal Richard Millener is eager to observe Sesks’ performance in Chile, a rally that presents a fresh challenge for the 2023 European Rally Championship runner-up.
Millener expressed, “I think there is a lot of interest from a lot of parties about what he’s capable of. There’s a lot of discussion about whether his success in Latvia and Poland can be replicated in Chile, which offers a different terrain and conditions. We are looking for another rally with no issues, no mistakes, and a strong result from Martins.”
The team is not setting unrealistic expectations for Sesks but aims for a top-five finish in Chile, acknowledging the rally’s technical nature and potential hazards. Millener emphasized that the upcoming competition serves as an extended audition for Sesks, highlighting the need for consistent performance and strategic driving to secure a favorable outcome.
With the opportunity to compete in a completely new environment with little notice, Sesks faces the challenge of mastering unfamiliar stages and adapting to the absence of hybrid power, similar to his debut in Poland. Despite the performance deficit compared to hybrid-powered Rally1 cars, Sesks remains optimistic about showcasing his pace and skills in Chile.
Sesks shared his thoughts on the upcoming rally, stating, “It will be a great adventure driving a Rally1 car in Chile for the first time. We are preparing diligently and drawing from our experiences in Poland and Latvia to navigate the challenges ahead. While driving a non-hybrid car may pose additional difficulties, it presents an opportunity to demonstrate our capabilities without hybrid assistance.”
In addition to Sesks, another rising star, Sami Pajari, has been offered a rare Rally1 outing by Toyota, replacing Takamoto Katsuta for the Chile event. The Finn’s participation adds to the excitement of the competition, showcasing the talent and potential of young drivers in the WRC.
As Sesks and Pajari gear up for the demanding stages of Rally Chile, the spotlight shines on these emerging talents as they aim to make their mark in the competitive world of rally racing. The anticipation builds as fans and industry experts await the outcome of these young drivers’ performances in this challenging and prestigious event. Rally Chile promises thrills, surprises, and fierce competition, setting the stage for an unforgettable showcase of skill and determination in the WRC.
