Ford Squad Faces Driver Line-Up Changes for 2024
The Ford squad is yet to confirm its plans for next season, but should it continue in rallying’s top tier, the squad will have to field a changed driver line-up following Ott Tanak’s decision to re-join Hyundai for 2024.
This season the team elected to scale back from running three to two full-time Ford Puma entries for Tanak and Pierre-Louis Loubet, although the latter will sit out this season. However, with Tanak’s move to Hyundai confirmed, M-Sport now faces the task of securing a new driver.
The departure of Ott Tanak, who is considered one of the top drivers in the World Rally Championship, comes as a blow to the Ford squad. Tanak’s performance has been instrumental in securing victories and podium finishes for the team in recent years.
If M-Sport decides to continue competing in the top tier of rallying, they will need to find a suitable replacement for Tanak. The pressure is on to select a driver who can deliver strong results and bring valuable points to the team.
While no official announcement has been made regarding the team’s plans for the 2024 season, fans and experts speculate on potential candidates to fill the vacancy left by Tanak’s departure. Names like Craig Breen, Teemu Suninen, and Gus Greensmith come up as possible contenders for the driver’s seat.
The decision to reduce their full-time entries to two this season was a strategic one for M-Sport, focusing on optimizing performance and resources. However, the loss of Tanak has altered the team’s dynamics and will require careful consideration when selecting the new driver.
Despite the challenges, M-Sport remains hopeful about their future in the World Rally Championship. The squad has a history of success and continues to be a competitive force in the sport. They have proven they can adapt and thrive in changing circumstances, and fans look forward to seeing what they will bring to the table in the upcoming season.