The five-time Spanish champion, aged 28, started his first full WRC2 season in a Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 car.
Lopez had a fantastic start to his season, finishing second in the WRC2 at the Rally Monte Carlo. In the Croatia Rally, he placed third.
For the next WRC event in Portugal, the Spanish driver will have new equipment. He will compete in the Portuguese gravel rally using a Ford Fiesta Rally2 car.
The change is surprising, as Ford’s equipment is not considered as competitive as Skoda’s. However, M-Sport has been making updates to its Rally2 car in hopes of competing on equal footing with other manufacturers in the WRC2 class.
Lopez will be working with the Spanish team, Past Racing, moving forward.
“The year has started off very well in Monte Carlo and Croatia, with two podiums, and we are convinced that with hard work and effort we will continue in the same direction,” Lopez said.
“We have reached an agreement with a great team, Past Racing, a team that shares the same values as David (Vazquez, co-driver) and I. Hand in hand with Ford, a brand I have never competed with before and in which I have high hopes, I am convinced that it will bring us much joy,” Lopez continued.
Lopez is fifth in the WRC2 class standings before the Rally de Portugal, just ten points behind the class leaders, Yohan Rossel and Oliver Solberg.
The Rally de Portugal will take place next week from May 9 to May 12.
