Greensmith stays with M-Sport Ford for 2022
Gus Greensmith will remain with M-Sport Ford for the first season of the FIA World Rally Championship’s hybrid era in 2022.
The team confirmed during shakedown for the closing round of the 2021 campaign in Italy on Thursday evening that Greensmith will tackle a full 13-round campaign in an all-new Puma WRC Rally1 car.
The 24-year-old Briton tackled his first full programme in the WRC’s top flight this year and scored a career-best fourth place at Safari Rally Kenya’s return to the championship in June.
Greensmith joins Craig Breen in the M-Sport Ford line-up, the Irishman switching from Hyundai Motorsport on a two-year deal. Frenchman Adrien Fourmaux is also expected to remain with the team after an impressive first full year.
The switch to hybrid power for the WRC’s 50th season, as part of a wide-ranging package of sustainable measures, is a huge landmark in championship history. Greensmith can’t wait to sample the Puma in competition.
“I have been very happy with my improvements throughout the year and it means a lot to be representing the team going into 2022, where it seems that the guys and girls have done a fantastic job at creating a very competitive package,” he enthused.
Greensmith, who is joined by Swede Jonas Andersson in the co-driver’s seat for the first time at FORUM8 ACI Rally Monza this weekend, has climbed to the top with M-Sport since joining in 2014 at grass roots level. He made his top-tier debut in Portugal in 2019.
M-Sport managing director Malcolm Wilson admitted he has been encouraged by Greensmith’s progress this season as experienced co-driver Chris Patterson guided him to five top six finishes.
“He has impressed me a lot this year with how much he has developed and disciplined himself while improving his pace. Gus is developing into a strong member of the team and I am looking forward to celebrating more success with him and the team next year,” said Wilson.
• Full coverage from FORUM8 ACI Rally Monza will be available on WRC+ All Live here, including every stage broadcast as it happens as well as key interviews, features and expert analysis from the service park.