In an episode released in November, M-Sport team principal Richard Millener is shown venturing into the middle of a Finnish forest, mingling with regular spectators and watching the stages of Rally Finland up close.
Typically, team bosses monitor the competition from the team’s base via TV screens, but according to Millener, it’s better to experience the action on-site.
“If I had a helicopter, I’d go to every stage,” Millener laughed.
“It’s not a bad way to get around. You can observe driving styles, especially younger drivers compared to experienced ones,” Millener added.
However, Millener revealed there was a specific reason he joined the spectators.
“Honestly, the reason we went to the stages was to create good footage for the movie, but for me, any chance to watch rallying is great. I love seeing the environment, the fans, and everything happening on-site,” Millener explained.
According to Millener, the service park can feel dull when the action is underway.
“In the service park, when the cars head to the stages, it feels empty, and nothing happens,” Millener noted.
“But when you see the number of people in the forest and the atmosphere, you realise it’s something really special. That atmosphere is what got me into rallying. It’s why I go to watch as a fan rather than as a team principal,” Millener continued.
For Millener, the atmosphere and the people are what make rallying such a unique sport.
“It’s important to understand how rallying’s atmosphere can help attract new partners and promote the sport. It’s such a unique environment,” Millener said.
“Anyone who’s been to watch a rally knows that you spend most of the day in the forest and only see the cars for a brief moment. The rest of the time is about enjoying the experience with people in the countryside. For me, that’s what makes rallying so special,” Millener concluded.
