M-Sport’s Elfyn Evans and Daniel Barritt stormed to a sensational second place at the Neste Rally Finland – securing the Ecoboost-powered Ford Fiesta WRC’s 12th podium of the year.

Proving competitive on any surface, the Fiesta set six fastest stage times at the weekend, including a 1-2-3 through the second pass of Päijälä (SS21) and a 1-2-3-4 through the second pass of Pihlajakoski (SS20).

Having missed their pre-event test, the Brits struggled with the balance of their DMACK-shod Ford Fiesta WRC through the opening day and languished in seventh after the first 13 stages.

But as the conditions improved, Evans found a more favourable set-up and the confidence to boot to climb back up the standings.

Evans’ result – as well as that of early leader Ott Tänak – has strengthened the team’s position at the head of the manufacturer standings and, despite having to withdraw from the rally, Sébastien Ogier has maintained the joint lead of the drivers’ championship.

“We’re really chuffed to come away from Rally Finland with second place – especially as that wasn’t looking likely on Friday evening,” Evans said.

“We kept at it, kept pushing and managed to claw our way back up the leaderboard.

“It’s a really positive way to finish the weekend.

“Friday was a very difficult day for us. We started without a test and were really struggling with the balance of the car throughout that opening day.

“We made some changes which helped quite a lot and the longer stages and drier conditions helped too.

“We started making our way up the order and it all went from there.

“Going into Sunday morning, it was a very difficult situation to be in.

“There was an element of wanting to push for the best result, but at the same time it was really important to secure good points for the team.

“It wasn’t an all-out attack, but it all worked out in the end.

“It’s not the win, but it’s still a strong weekend and we can be pleased with the job we have done this weekend.”

Elsewhere in the team, local hero Teemu Suninen had been challenging Evans for second position, but fell to fourth with a high-speed spin through the penultimate stage.

Despite the disappointment, the young Finn delivered an extremely impressive performance on what was only his second appearance at the sport’s highest level.