M-SPORT FORD WRT
Elfyn Evans
Nationality: British
Age: 30
Co-driver: Scott Martin
Car #33
WRC debut: GB 2007
GB starts: 7
GB wins: 1 (2017)
WRC starts: 84
WRC wins: 1
Forget the fact that he’s missed the last three rounds of the championship (back injury); this most local of local heroes can do it. He doesn’t necessarily know these roads any better than his rivals, but he’s got the same sixth sense that serves Sebastien Ogier so well in the mountains around Gap. What Evans needs is self-belief. He’s improved no end in this direction this season, but this week he needs to truly believe that he can win from further down the order on Friday. He can do it.
Teemu Suninen
Nationality: Finnish
Age: 25
Co-driver: Jarmo Lehtinen
Car #3
WRC debut: Finland 2014
GB starts: 4
Best GB result: 11th (2015)
WRC starts: 51
Best result: 2nd
Doesn’t have massive experience of these roads, but Suninen has shown time and again that he’s a driver who can make the best out of only having a rough idea of what to expect from a rally. Looks to have benefited from slotting the super-experienced Jarmo Lehtinen in alongside him and comes to Wales on the back of a couple of very, very strong performances in Germany and Turkey. The Fiesta’s won GB for the past two years and this bloke could continue that trend.
Pontus Tidemand
Nationality: Swedish
Age: 28
Co-driver: Ola Floene
Car #7
WRC debut: Sweden 2012
GB starts: 3
Best GB result: 10th (2018)
WRC starts: 48
Best result: 7th
One thing is certain, Wales won’t be quite the struggle Turkey was – the Swede looked all at sea trying to find a way around the rocks last time out. He may not have massive Rally GB experience, but he’s finished each of his three starts on the podium in WRC2 and that will bring an understanding of what the roads are about. A steady run through Friday could serve him well and give him a better place on the road for the weekend. Top six would be a great result.