According to rallit.fi sources, Emil Lindholm may switch from Hyundai to M-Sport Ford for 2024 as the Malcolm Wilson's team is searching for a youngster to drive the Puma Rally1.
The Finn driver started his competition at WRC2 class in 2019, but he stepped back in 2020 as he took part only in two events in WRC3 category with the Skoda Fabia Rally2 evo, but a year later he finished third overall at WRC3 standings after his having had a full campaign. The 2022 season was the most successful year for him as he became a double WRC2 Champion with Skoda Motorsport and Toksport after his having secured the WRC2 Open and the WRC2 Junior titles. The Czech team extended further his WRC2 programme for one more year, but Lindholm decided to join the new WRC2 programme of Hyundai six months ago, thus he left Skoda and Toksport with an immediate effect and replaced Teemu Suninen in WRC2 class as the last one did four outings with the i20N Rally1. As Andreas Mikkelsen is very likely to share the third Hyundai Rally1 car with Esapekka Lappi in 2024, it is hinted that Suninen has lost his chance to return back to the top level and will continue driving for the Alzenau-based team at the support category which means that Lindholm is considering his options ahead of the new season. However, the most important thing is that M-Sport Ford wants to invest in young drivers in 2024 after Ott Tanak's departure and it is speculated that Adrien Fourmaux will lead the team next season. On the other hand, Pierre-Louis Loubet's future at the squad remains uncertain as he has to find sponsors to keep driving the Ford Puma Rally1 whereas Gregoire Munster may have a partial programme since Jourdan Serderidis supports him financially, but both of them are very likely to drive for the blue oval in selected number of events. As a consequence of that, it is clear that there is only one Rally1 seat remaining at M-Sport Ford and Lindholm is very likely to join them as his dream is to make his debut at the main category of WRC.
Photo Credits: Hyundai
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