By now all three official WRC teams have set aside development programs for WRC Plus cars to devote themselves to that of hybrid Rally1, which will make their World Rally debut starting in 2022, at Rallye Monte-Carlo.
The cars designed by the new WRC regulations could redesign the balance of power seen in the last 3 seasons, for this reason everyone has started intensive programs so as not to arrive unprepared at the moment of the debut.
M-Sport, aware of having the great opportunity to close the performance gap created over the last few seasons, began testing the hybrid Ford Puma Rally1 early, so that it could be ready when it matters most.
Craig Breen’s engagement was also considered. Not only from a human and technical point of view, but also from that of timing. After the last event at the wheel of the Hyundai i20 Coupé WRC Plus, the Northern Irishman was signed by the Cockermouth team to get him familiar with the new car.
With the advent of electric propulsion, which will join the 1.6 turbo thermal engine, the way of driving, of interpreting the cars, but also the specials and the transfer sections, will change radically. To say all this was Breen, who in these days has completed several test sessions at the wheel of the Puma Rally1 both on asphalt and dirt.
“Hybrid cars are a great challenge, they are for all drivers. To make it so, I think it is like collecting the energy of the engine and regenerating it every time. Driving a rally car at 200 km / h in the middle of the woods, at least for me, it requires all the skills I have in my brain and now you have to drive at the same speed, but also find places to regenerate energy and get a little extra boost. “
“It won’t be easy. Anyone who can make this change quickly and do it all automatically will have a great chance of success next year.”
Breen, having been under contract with M-Sport for a few weeks, could have been used on one of the two Ford Fiesta WRC Plus at the ACI Rally Monza Italia. Instead, he preferred to dedicate himself completely to 2022 and for several reasons. One of these, on the other hand, is very noble.
“I will not be in Monza. I am completely focused on what I am doing with the 2022 car. Also, going to Monza and potentially being able to take points away from Hyundai would go completely against who I am. It is not part of my person.”
“In the end, the fact that I finished the season early and is preparing for the 2022 car I see as an advantage, because I can use all my energy to find the right feeling with the Puma and understand how to make it work in the best way.”
“The other WRC drivers will still race behind the wheel of the current WRC Plus at Monza, then change and test Rally1. For me it will not be the same. I am completely focused on next year’s car and this is the most important thing. for me”.
“With this time at my disposal, I can work on the whole energy regeneration process and fully understand how to use the hybrid to the best of its ability. It will be a completely new sport, from what I can imagine. The hybrid will change completely. this sport”.
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