WRC2 ace López switches to Fiesta power

The Spanish star had piloted a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 to consecutive WRC2 podium finishes in Monte-Carlo and Croatia. However, he will now switch to an M-Sport Ford-built Fiesta Rally2 car starting from next week’s Vodafone Rally de Portugal (9 – 12 May), which marks his first gravel outing of the season.

The car will be provided by Past-Racing, which is owned by regular WRC Masters Cup competitor Daniel Alonso. Earlier this year, the company announced a collaboration with M-Sport to relaunch the Fiesta Rally2 in Spain and Portugal.

Commenting on the move, López stated: “[2024] is a year that has started very well in Monte-Carlo and Croatia with two podiums, and we are convinced that with work and effort we will continue along the same lines.

“We have reached an agreement with a great team, Past-Racing, a team that shares the same work values that David (Vázquez, co-driver) and I have. And with the help of Ford, a brand that had never been in my sporting career and in which I have a lot of hope, is going to give us a lot of joy.”

López currently holds fifth in the WRC2 standings ahead of Vodafone Rally de Portugal. In the WRC2 Challenger class, which is open to competitors who haven't previously secured a WRC title with Rally2 machinery, he ranks second.