Title: The Future of Martins Sesks: Will He Join M-Sport’s Rally Revolution in 2026?
The buzz around Martins Sesks joining the M-Sport Ford team for the World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2026 is intensifying! As M-Sport gears up for a thrilling new season, the big question on every rally fan’s lips is whether this promising talent will feature in their line-up.
In a dramatic announcement, M-Sport revealed its full-time drivers for the upcoming year, introducing Josh McErlean and the European Rally Championship runner-up, Jon Armstrong. This strategic move marks a significant leap into the Rally1 category for Armstrong, backed by the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy that has been a beacon for emerging Irish talent. However, the omission of seasoned drivers like Grégoire Munster and Sesks in this lineup raises eyebrows and fuels speculation about the future.
M-Sport’s press release hinted at more announcements on their driver roster, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. Team principal Richard Millener has confirmed that talks regarding Sesks’ potential future with the team are underway but clarified that he won’t be competing at the Monte Carlo season opener. “It is not a pick and choose exercise,” Millener stated emphatically. “Just because he did well in Saudi doesn’t mean we have the budget to put him in for a year. People are dreaming a bit there.”
Sesks made a compelling case for his inclusion by showcasing his skills during the season finale in Saudi Arabia, where he was in contention for victory until unfortunate punctures and an engine failure dashed his hopes. This performance has undoubtedly put him on M-Sport’s radar, but the financial realities of rallying can’t be ignored. Millener reiterated, “We are still in negotiations with him for sure and we would like to see him in the team. It is not dead.”
While the team scrambles to find the budget necessary to maintain a competitive two-car lineup, Millener expressed satisfaction with the current arrangement. “We have been working on it for a while in the background to ensure we can field two cars for the full season next year,” he explained. “It was always the intention to have a second year with Josh. You need at least two years, one to learn and one to start improving.”
There’s an undeniable excitement surrounding the introduction of Jon Armstrong, whose impressive recent results in the ERC have opened the door for him to step up. Millener emphasized the importance of collaboration with the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy, underscoring their commitment to nurturing young talent in the sport.
As the countdown to the 2026 season begins, rally enthusiasts are left wondering: will Martins Sesks get the chance he deserves with M-Sport? With ongoing discussions and the potential for a thrilling comeback, the rallying world will be watching closely. Stay tuned for more updates on this riveting saga as it unfolds!
