WRC
Sesks plots seven-round WRC campaign in 2026
Mārtiņš Sesks plans to contest a seven-round FIA World Rally Championship programme in 2026 driving a Puma Rally1 for M-Sport Ford World Rally Team.
The Latvian, alongside co-driver Renārs Francis, has locked in six WRC starts for 2026, with a seventh appearance at Rally Saudi Arabia also under consideration. The programme will be complemented by selected European Rally Championship outings as the pairing looks to convert the promise shown over the past two seasons into consistent front-running performances.
Sesks and Francis closed their 2025 campaign with a strong run at Rally Saudi Arabia, where they led the rally and remained in the fight for a podium result until facing technical issues on the final morning.
That performance underlined their potential at rallying’s highest level and ultimately helped shape the scope of their 2026 campaign, which begins on February’s Rally Sweden and includes outings in Portugal, Greece, Estonia, Finland, Italy and Saudi Arabia.
“This will be our third year working with M-Sport and our second season in WRC events,” Sesks said. “We have gained experience, but the real question is how well we can use it. After the first rallies of the season, we will quickly see how strong our foundation really is.”
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M-Sport team principal Richard Millener believes the Latvian crew’s trajectory continues to point upward as preparations intensify for the new season.
“I’m very pleased to confirm Mārtiņš and Renārs’ return with M-Sport for at least six WRC events,” Millener said. “After the ups and downs of Saudi Arabia, I genuinely believe strong results are possible. Putting this programme together hasn’t been easy, but the season is already just weeks away.”
Seasoned co-driver Francis stressed that the focus remains on progression rather than participation, as the duo balance WRC starts with further competitive mileage elsewhere.
“Every rally, every set of notes, every kilometre at WRC level gives us real lessons,” he said. “The goal isn’t just to participate, but to build something long-term. The car is good and we must keep improving. Even a partial WRC season combined with ERC and national events is extremely demanding, but that’s exactly the level we want to operate at.”
Alongside their WRC programme, Sesks and Francis are planning two ERC starts, with scope to expand that schedule should budget and logistics allow.
