How did M-Sport get inspired by Tanak and Jarveoja in Greece?

The team principal of M-Sport Ford, Richard Millener, says that Ott Tanak's and Martin Jarveoja's determination helped the team to continue pushing in Greece while he apologizes to Pierre-Louis Loubet again for his retirement.

The Cumbria-based team finished fourth overall with Tanak and Jarveoja at Acropolis Rally last weekend, but it was a very difficult event for them. First of all, they lost Loubet before the start of Stage 2 as he was forced to retire on the liaison section after his Puma suffered from a water pump issue and was not able to continue for the rest of the weekend. On the other hand, Tanak dropped from fourth to 32nd after the end of Stage 4 as he collected a 3min and 40s time penalty for his lateness in leaving the midday tyre fitting zone on Friday. His car faced a similar issue to Loubet's and two M-Sport mechanics were working to repair it. Saturday morning did not start well for the 2019 WRC Champion as the Puma had lower engine power and no hybrid boost in Stage 7 while he mentioned after SS12 that the rear axle was loose, but he and Jarveoja managed to climb to fourth place overall taking advantage of Sebastien Ogier's and Thierry Neuville's retirement on Saturday afternoon. In WRC2 class, Adrien Fourmaux and Gregoire Munster did the 4-5 for M-Sport Ford with the first one leading his category from Stage 2 to 5.

"Ultimately, we have come away from what will be the toughest rally on the calendar with a fourth overall", Millener said. 

"Considering the position we found ourselves in on Friday, we have to be happy with that. 

"But, it is certainly a case of what could have been. 

"I feel very sorry for Pierre, especially as he was so prepared for this event, but rally can be cruel sometimes and I know he will pick himself back up again. 

"I would like to also thank Ott and Martin for their determination to not give up, that mentality helped the team continue fighting and get us the result this weekend. 

"Grégoire and Adrien also had a fantastic weekend in the Rally2 category, further showing the progress we are making with the Fiesta".

Photo Credits: M-Sport