will rejoin M-Sport-Ford for the opening spherical of the 2026 World Rally Championship subsequent month off the again of competing as a co-driver on the Dakar Rally.
After two full WRC seasons piloting a Ford Puma Rally1, Munster’s rallying future appeared unsure after to contest the complete 2026 marketing campaign.
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M-Sport had said that additional driver bulletins have been on the horizon with the group now confirming that Munster and will pilot a Puma Rally1, owned by privateer , on the Monte Carlo season opener on 22-25 January.
It means Munster faces a busy January schedule having additionally confirmed that he’ll co-drive for long-time supporter Serderidis in an M-Sport construct Ford Raptor T1+ within the Dakar Rally. It’s not the primary time Munster has swapped driving for navigating, having joined Serderidis for the East African Safari Basic Rally earlier this month, the place the pair completed third, driving a Porsche 911.
This 12 months’s Dakar Rally is about to conclude on 17 January, with recce for Monte Carlo set to start 48 hours later.
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It’s understood it is a one-off Rally1 look, though Munster has beforehand said that he was Rally2 choices for 2026.
Grégoire Munster, Louis Louka, M-Sport Ford World Rally Crew Ford Puma Rally1
Grégoire Munster, Louis Louka, M-Sport Ford World Rally Crew Ford Puma Rally1
“I’m actually completely happy and looking out ahead to beginning the season in Monte Carlo. It’s the place I took my first WRC stage win, and it’s at all times an occasion with tough situations, typically even full winter situations with snow and ice,” stated Munster.
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“The levels are fairly completely different from earlier years, with a mixture of new roads and a few returning favourites, in order that’s an thrilling new problem.
“We’ve seen all through 2025 that the Puma Rally1 has carried out nicely there on the Hankook delicate tyres, and I do know we now have all of the elements to do nicely. Will probably be a problem, particularly with going straight from Dakar straight into Monte Carlo recce the next day, so January will likely be very busy – however I’ll have time to sleep in February.”
Jurgenson secures M-Sport WRC2 programme in up to date Fiesta
M-Sport has additionally confirmed that 2024 Junior WRC champion and rising star Romet Jurgenson has been retained for a WRC2 programme.
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Jurgenson and co-driver Siim Oja made the leap to WRC2 final 12 months which was a prize provided by the FIA Rally Star programme after successful the JWRC crown. The pair scored three top-six finishes from the six rounds contested in an M-Sport-prepared Ford Fiesta Rally2.
The 25-year-old was additionally runner-up within the British Rally Championship and completed second and fourth respectively within the ultimate two rounds of the European Rally Championship.
Romet Jurgenson
Romet Jurgenson
With the FIA Rally Star initiative coming to an finish, the Estonian duo have managed to safe a deal to remain at M-Sport with outings in Monte Carlo, Sweden and Kenya confirmed, with extra rounds anticipated to observe.
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Jurgenson will drive an upgraded Fiesta Rally2 that includes a vary of efficiency and reliability enhancements, together with engine and electrical updates, revised suspension geometry, improved cockpit cooling, a brand new rear brake cooling package, and a light-weight parts bundle.
“I’m tremendous completely happy and really feel privileged to be beginning my second consecutive season with M-Sport in WRC2. We’ll kick off the 12 months at Monte Carlo, one of the crucial iconic occasions, the place gaining expertise is so necessary. Fortunately, we’ll have the Jannerrallye and a few testing beforehand, so it’ll undoubtedly be an thrilling begin. After that, we proceed to Sweden and Kenya, and hopefully we’ll be capable of construct an prolonged WRC2 season,” stated Jurgenson.
“It’s nice to start out so early within the season, and with the updates we now have on the automotive, I really feel actually constructive and desirous to get going. This is a vital season for me to point out each my pace and the capabilities of the automotive. Revisiting the identical rallies as final 12 months will likely be a beneficial alternative to take the subsequent step.
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“The FIA Rally Star programme has now come to an finish, however having the ability to begin one other WRC2 season proves the programme was a hit. I wish to thank everybody who made it attainable; it has really modified my life. I’ll carry the emblem with me all through my profession, and I hope I could make everybody proud. An enormous thanks additionally goes to my private sponsors, whose assist has made this upcoming season attainable.”
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