M-Sport Ford World Rally team’s EcoBoost-powered Ford Fiesta WRCs will jump back into action at this weekend’s Neste Rally Finland - the FIA World Rally Championship returning to its spiritual home after a six-week break in the calendar.

Finnish star Teemu Suninen will be joined by Gus Greensmith and Hayden Paddon - Elfyn Evans having to delay his return to the top-specification Fiesta as he recovers from a back injury sustained at Rally Estonia earlier this month.

Suninen contested a two-day test in the lead-up to the event, with Greensmith also making the most of a day’s preparation behind the wheel of the Fiesta.

Paddon will experience the power and performance of the top-specification Fiesta for the first time; and all three crews are geared up to make a big impression on what is one of rallying’s most anticipated weekends.

Dovenby Hall-based M-Sport's team principal Richard Millener said: “The team are really motivated heading into the second-half of the season.

"We’ve already proven our speed and now it’s time to bring everything together in pursuit of more podiums as well as that sought-after victory over the next six events.

“We’ve had a productive break with tests in Finland as well as Rally Estonia, and we feel well prepared.

"The competition will be tough, but we have made some positive steps forward – with new dampers developed specifically for Finland – and we’ve got a good chance of a strong result.

“Obviously, it’s a massive shame not to have Elfyn and Scott [Martin, co-driver] with us. Elfyn’s always gone well at this event, but we’ve still got three exciting crews.

“We wanted to be as competitive as we could be, and that’s why we’ve stuck with a three-car team this weekend.

“It was discussed that Gus would do a second event in the World Rally car, so we fast-tracked that idea and it will be interesting to see how his pace improves. We’re also really fortunate to have Hayden with us. He’s got loads of experience, great speed and is very determined to do well.

“He’s spent some time with the engineers and technicians over the past few days and shown that he’s ready to make the most of the opportunity.

“Speaking of being determined to do well, Teemu is really excited about his home event. I think he found the summer break particularly long, and I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel.

“Like a lot of people, I’m excited to see what he can do - especially coming off the back of a career-best result in Sardinia and with Jarmo [Lehtinen, co-driver] alongside him!”