M-Sport WRC2 driver Grégoire Munster has his hands on a trophy before the new World Rally Championship season even got underway as he was voted the most improved WRC driver of 2022.
Munster received his accolade – which was voted for by WRC fans – on the eve of the 2023 Monte Carlo Rally in the Monaco service park.
“I did not do one kilometer and I already have a trophy, that’s good!” Munster told DirtFish.
“For sure just having the support from the public after that vote [is amazing]. We did quite a good season last year and ended with a really positive note with the victory in Japan.
“And yeah this just gives an extra boost to start in Monte Carlo with a new challenge with M-Sport, let’s see what it will give.”
Munster joins M-Sport after three years as a Hyundai Customer Racing junior driver, driving a Fiesta Rally2 alongside team-mate Adrien Fourmaux whose among the favorites for class victory this weekend.
But Munster is aiming slightly lower than the top step of the podium given his lack of familiarity with his new car.
“I think a win will be a bit too optimistic,” he explained.
“We have to discover the car, we did not have that much testing beforehand and it’s quite a lot of adapting compared to the Hyundai but Monte Carlo is always a difficult rally and sometimes you don’t have to be the fastest to get a good result.
“So I think we will take it like that, try to be consistent and for sure we aim for a top five and maybe better.”
To follow all the twists and turns of this year’s Monte Carlo Rally as it happens, make sure you check out DirtFish Live Center. Coverage starts from 7pm CET on Thursday.
