Thu 12 Sep 2024

Mixed feelings for Millener after M-Sport's brutal Acropolis

M-Sport Ford team principal Richard Millener left last week’s EKO Acropolis Rally Greece with mixed feelings, having seen pace from the Puma Rally1 Hybrid – but also the challenge the Lamia-based event brings.

Scorching late summer conditions combined with some of the roughest roads in recent memory made the Acropolis one of the toughest challenges faced by the latest generation Rally1 cars.

Success on Sunday ensured the British team departed with smiles on their faces, but Millener admitted it had been a tough one. In overall terms, local driver Jourdan Serderidis was the first of three factory Pumas home in 14th, with Fourmaux retiring from day one with suspension damage before finishing 21st overall. Grégoire Munster went off the road on the final day.

“It was a great Sunday with Adrien's second Wolf Power Stage win of the year, as well as being second overall in Super Sunday points," said Millener, "but I can't help feel disappointed about what could have been this weekend.

"The pace shown by Adrien on Friday clearly proved he had the performance and talent to fight for an overall podium position. But, once again, EKO Acropolis Rally Greece showed us quite how hard an event it really is. So, we can be pleased with the outcome considering there were dramas in each team.

M-Sport now turns its attentions to the season’s trans-Atlantic trip for Rally Chile Bio Bío, where Mārtiņš Sesks returns to the team to drive a Puma Rally1.

Millener added: “We have a short break before leaving Europe and returning to Chile, where we have Adrien and Grégoire, but also Mārtiņš, back in action. It's lining up to be an exciting weekend.”

Japan
Starts: Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 12:00:00 AM
Poland
Starts: Friday, October 11, 2024 at 9:30:00 AM
Turkey
Starts: Sunday, November 10, 2024 at 8:30:00 AM