M-Sport Ford has officially confirmed it will field three Rally1 cars at the iconic Rally Monte Carlo, marking a strong start to the new World Rally Championship season. The legendary event will once again open the WRC calendar, and the British team is set to arrive with an expanded and competitive lineup.
Grégoire Munster Returns to a Familiar Stage
Luxembourg’s Grégoire Munster is set for a demanding and memorable January. After competing with M-Sport Ford’s Rally1 car over the past two seasons, Munster lost his full-season WRC seat following Motorsport Ireland’s backing of Josh McErlean, alongside Jon Armstrong after his impressive ERC performances last year.
Despite stepping back from a full-time role, Munster will return to Monte Carlo, a rally that holds special significance in his career. It was at this event that he secured his first WRC stage win.
“I’m really happy and looking forward to starting the season in Monte Carlo,” Munster said. “It’s always an event with tricky conditions, sometimes even full winter conditions with snow and ice.”
New Stages Bring Fresh Challenges
This year’s Rally Monte Carlo route features a revised itinerary, combining brand-new roads with classic stages from previous editions. For Munster, this variation adds excitement and unpredictability to an already demanding event.
“The stages are quite different from previous years, with a mix of new roads and some returning favourites, so that’s an exciting new challenge,” he explained.
From Dakar to Monte Carlo Without a Break
Munster’s rally schedule at the start of the year is relentless. Before heading to the French Alps, he will take part in the legendary Dakar Rally as co-driver to his long-time supporter, Jourdan Serderidis. The endurance rally, held in Saudi Arabia, begins on January 3 and concludes on January 17.
With reconnaissance for Rally Monte Carlo starting immediately the following day, Munster will have almost no downtime between the two iconic events.
“It will be a challenge, especially with going straight from Dakar directly into Monte Carlo recce the following day, so January will be very busy,” Munster said. “But I’ll have time to sleep in February,” he added with a laugh.
Selective WRC Programme for 2025
Munster is expected to compete with M-Sport Ford in selected WRC rounds throughout the season rather than a full championship campaign. Latvian driver Martins Sesks is also anticipated to continue with a similar part-time programme, likely contesting around seven to nine events as he did last year.
With three Rally1 cars confirmed for Monte Carlo and a mix of experience and emerging talent, M-Sport Ford is poised to make a strong impression at one of the most prestigious rallies in the world.
