M-Sport team principal Richard Millener has reported a positive first test with its 2027-specification Ford Fiesta.
The car, which was fitted with the 2027 WRC Kit, ran in Tarmac-specification in Spain with Matthew Wilson conducting the early mileage. M-Sport’s WRC2 driver from this year, Romet Jürgenson, also completed running time in the car.
Millener told DirtFish: “It’s good to get the early miles down with no problems at all. Obviously, we’re pretty early in the work with the kit on the car, but the results were encouraging.
“I think we’re all fairly well aware of where the performance is going next season – as Elfyn [Evans] told you earlier this week, we need to not be comparing these cars with the Rally1 cars we’ve seen for the last few years. This is a different car.
“We’re happy with where we are now and we’re looking forward to getting out and getting some more mileage in.”
Matthew Wilson and Romet Jürgenson drove the new car this week
Millener wouldn’t be drawn on plans for drivers next season, but confirmed recent speculation that it would be looking at a potential three-car line-up.
“There’s an awful lot to be discussed before we get to making those decisions,” he added.
He also remained tight-lipped on an expected Adrien Fourmaux return to M-Sport, saying only: “We talk and we’re talking to lots and lots of drivers right now.”
DirtFish understands M-Sport is looking towards a combined approach for next year, with the potential for continued customer crews and drivers who could form part of Ford’s official return to the World Rally Championship in 2028.
