The M-Sport Ford World Rally team set out to conquer the 2022 Acropolis Rally in Greece, and returned successful after an eventful weekend.
Right out of the gate, Sebastien Loeb and Pierre-Louis Loubet battled each other for the rally lead early on in the event. Loubet wheeled his M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1 Hybrid racer to his first-ever stage win, surging into first place overall after Stage 5 with a 1.9-second lead over Loeb. Loubet went on to win every single stage on Friday, September 9th. However, Loubet suffered a blown tire during Saturday’s events, but climbed back to fifth by the end of the day.
“What a weekend!” the French driver said. “I am still processing everything that happened on Friday, and I will be re-living it for some time I think. Even though it is a shame about the puncture on Saturday, to get my first WRC stage win and even lead the rally against Seb is something I will never forget.”
Craig Breen also suffered a blown tire on Friday, while Loeb’s M-Sport Ford Puma suffered an alternator problem, ending his day early on Saturday. Gus Greensmith started Saturday strong, but blew an engine and forced him to retire as well.
Sunday brought better fortune to M-Sport Ford teams as they set out to collect valuable power stage points. Breen and Greensmith brought home third and fourth, respectively, while Loubet rallied back up to fifth place.
“What can I say, firstly the team never gave up coming into this rally and Friday proved why,” said team principal, Rich Millener. “We showed we are here to fight the others and we are more than capable of fighting for success. Loeb is simply fantastic and Pierre was the star of the rally. Craig (Breen) and Gus (Greensmith) were strong throughout… as committed to the challenge of WRC as always.”
The M-Sport Ford World Rally team will head to Repco Rally New Zealand next on September 29th through October 2nd, 2022.
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Comments
Are they not competing in the ARA (American Rally Association) Championship? The next race is this weekend, STPR (Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally) in Wellsboro PA. Would be cool to see them there.
Dear Gary, WRC, let’s forget the W of World as this is mainly an European sport, just look at the drivers and teams. I find it amazing that Ford Authority keeps on publishing the press releases of M-Sport! Hyundai scored a 1-2-3 finish on this event and the Puma was perhaps strong since ages during the first day but broke on the second day. Ford Performance should STOP their support and even forbid M-Sport to use the Puma look for 2023. Ford of Europe should invest in their survival in Europe as Hyandai and even Toyota are gaining market share whereas Ford loses every month! Just like they lose in WRC!
i cant speak to whats going on across the pond, but rally racing has been in the US a long time. 43 consecutive years at STPR, which is considered the fastest rally in the USA. Just checked the roster, Ken Block is at the top (driving a hyundai! i thought he was with Audi?) Travis Pastrana at #2 in a Subee. I see quite a few WRXs, Fiestas, EVOs, etc even a civic, mirage, pilot (lol), and BRZ. This is for a national championship. the The M-Sport Ford World Rally team should be there.