One of the most significant changes is the plan to abandon the current hybrid units at the end of this season.
With the removal of the hybrid unit, cars will lose power. Additionally, the aerodynamic properties of the cars will be weakened, and the restrictor will be downsized.
M-Sport’s team principal, Richard Millener, experienced first-hand what it’s like to ride in the passenger seat with his French driver, Adrien Fourmaux, during the shakedown of the Safari Rally in Kenya, which confirmed his belief that there should be no move away from the current cars.
“I know what it’s like to start a rally car. But when you see it again like that, I have to say, these cars are incredible,” Millener told RallyJournal.com.
“Getting rid of these cars is a really bad idea! They’re the best things we’ve ever had,” Millener stated bluntly.
Millener also immediately noticed during the shakedown the formidable challenge the Safari Rally presents.
“After going in the car for the shakedown, you really understand how hard this rally is,” Millener said.
“You can’t back off. It’s a problem,” he continued.
Kenya presents such a challenge that, at least in advance, it’s pointless to consider tactics.
“It’s easy to say, ‘let’s have a sensible approach and see how it goes.’ But you actually can’t back off much at all because then you are so far behind them. But honestly, these stages are so demanding on the car,” Millener explained.
