Mikkelsen: No truth in rumours of M-Sport move

The Norwegian previously drove in the top echelon of the WRC for Hyundai Motorsport but, since leaving its ranks at the end of 2019, has been unable to secure a seat in the sport’s top flight. 

Since then Mikkelsen has focused his efforts on campaigns with a Toksport Škoda Fabia Rally2 Evo. He used the car to win both WRC2 and ERC in 2021 and, this season, narrowly missed out on retaining his WRC2 crown despite being let down by engine failures twice. 

Rumours of a return to the WRC’s leading category have been circulating over recent weeks, with some sources suggesting Mikkelsen will drive a Ford Puma Rally1 for M-Sport in 2023.

When quizzed on the matter, however, Mikkelsen denied those suggestions. Instead, he revealed that another season in WRC2 is likely to be on the cards.

“At the moment I do not have anything fixed for 2023,” Mikkelsen exclusively told WRC.com. “I think that a Rally1 drive is not possible. 

“I hope to drive in WRC2 again, or at least for some rallies. But for who I will drive for, I am not sure yet.”

M-Sport Ford has so far revealed two full-time drivers for 2023. Ott Tänak returns to the British squad after stints at Toyota and Hyundai, while Pierre-Louis Loubet has been promoted into the team’s second car on a full-time basis.