WRC
M-Sport’s Millener walks the talk with class win
M-Sport Ford team principal Richard Millener led by example on Saturday, storming to a dramatic one-second class victory at the Malcolm Wilson Rally.
Piloting a Harper Adams Motorsport-run Ford Fiesta R2T, Millener battled back from an early setback when a loose turbo pipe cost him valuable time. But with a final-stage masterclass through the Cumbrian forests, he clawed back the deficit to snatch the win in thrilling fashion.
Co-driven by Hyundai PR team member—and former M-Sport employee—Seb Scott, Millener was delighted with the victory which sends him off to next week’s Safari Rally Kenya with a spring in his step.
“It was a great event,” he enthused. “It always is. The Malcolm Wilson Rally and events of this nature are the backbone of our sport, and getting out to support them is so important. I do one rally a year and absolutely love it.
“That said, we did start a little bit slowly on Saturday. The first stage was tricky, slippery, and not an easy one to get your eye in on. Then we had our small issue before heading into Grizedale forest—never an easy place to drive, but absolute classic stages. We had a couple of moments in there, but came out needing to take 2.5 seconds per kilometre out of the class leader to win on the final stage. We had a good push and managed it.
“It was a great way to finish the day. But now it’s back to business and a big focus on Safari Rally Kenya next week.”
