Martins Sesks, along with his co-driver Francis Renars, is set to make a significant leap in his rally career by competing in two consecutive events in the World Rally Championship (WRC). The duo will be driving a non-hybrid powered Ford Puma Rally1 car, a historic moment as it will be the car’s debut at the WRC level in Poland. This move is part of Sesks’ transition to the full hybrid version of the car, which he will be driving at his home round in Latvia. The collaboration between Sesks, M-Sport, and the WRC Promoter has made this opportunity possible for the 24-year-old driver.
Sesks has been a familiar face in the European Rally Championship, competing in Rally2 machinery and showcasing his skills on the European stage. His performance last season, including wins in Poland and Latvia, led him to a runner-up finish behind champion Hayden Paddon. In 2022, Sesks dominated the stages at the Latvia ERC round, winning every stage on his way to victory. This year, he has switched to a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 for the 2024 ERC campaign, demonstrating his adaptability and competitiveness in different cars and environments.
Expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to move from Rally2 to Rally1 level, Sesks shared his excitement for competing alongside some of the world’s best rally drivers. He acknowledged the effort and support from his family, whose rallying legacy spans generations, and highlighted the significance of participating in a WRC event in Liepaja, the same place where his grandfather had his inaugural rally in 1965. Sesks emphasized the importance of focus and commitment as he prepares to pilot the first non-hybrid version of the Puma Rally1, paving the way for future prospects in his career.
Peter Thul, WRC Promoter’s Senior Director of Sport, emphasized the importance of supporting the next generation of potential WRC world champions, with Sesks being recognized as a worthy recipient of this assistance based on his past performances in the ERC. M-Sport team principal Richard Millener echoed this sentiment, describing Sesks as the perfect candidate to debut the new non-hybrid version of the Puma. Through collaboration and leveraging new regulations for 2024, Sesks will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience in Poland before competing with the full hybrid car at his home event in Latvia.
Martins Sesks’ journey to the World Rally Championship represents a significant milestone in his career. With a strong track record in the European Rally Championship and the support of key stakeholders in the WRC community, Sesks is poised to make a mark in the highest echelons of rally racing. His determination, adaptability, and focus on continuous improvement position him as a rising star to watch out for in the competitive world of rallying.