The Latvian driver was given a fantastic opportunity by M-Sport during the season, supported in part by the promoter, to compete in M-Sport’s Rally1 car in Latvia, Poland, and Chile.
Sesks made an immediate impact during his debut in the top category of the WRC in Poland, finishing fifth overall.
In addition to his performance, Sesks’ genuine reactions won hearts. His post-stage interviews provided ample material for meme creators. His unfiltered astonishment and joy at his success were a refreshing breeze for the entire WRC series.
M-Sport team principal Richard Millener cannot recall seeing such an impressive debut in recent times.
“Sebastien Ogier was quick when he entered a WRC car, but for someone to jump in and perform like that on a rally, it’s going to take a long time for it to be matched or challenged,” Millener praised in an interview with Rallyjournal.com.
“The performance was impressive, but it also highlighted something else—we might be missing some big personalities in WRC at the moment. A lot of people remember Martin’s success, but if you ask them about his stage times or positions, they might not recall. What stands out is how he reacted to the opportunity, the excitement he showed,” Millener continued.
Sesks’ performance reminded everyone of what the sport is truly about.
“In Poland, with its passionate fans and the high-speed rally environment, everything came together to create a memorable moment. That’s what people remember more, and you can’t force those kinds of reactions,” Millener emphasised.
“If Martin had been doing the job for ten years, the reaction would have been different than what we saw during his debut. This highlights the importance of bringing in younger talent. It’s what the sport needs and thrives on,” Millener enthused.
Sesks’ remarkable debut was one of the highlights of the season, giving the WRC a much-needed boost, Millener noted.
“Experienced drivers naturally grow more relaxed in their roles, and you don’t always see that raw emotion anymore. It’s refreshing to see new faces—like Sami Pajari with his impressive stage times,” Millener added.
“These moments remind us of the value of nurturing a larger pool of upcoming drivers alongside the current ones. It keeps the sport alive and exciting.”
