M-Sport's fleet of EcoBoost-powered Ford Fiesta WRCs have been transformed into their aggressive Tarmac stance and are ready to tackle this week’s ADAC Rallye Deutschland.

The number one Fiesta will once again run the upgraded aero package, as developed in partnership with Ford performance, and all three crews are keen to deliver a strong performance as the FIA World Rally Championship makes a return to asphalt.

In the lead-up to the event, Frenchman Sébastien Ogier and Elfyn Evans will also visit the home of the Fiesta when attending an employee event at Ford’s Niehl factory, near Cologne.

“We’re aiming to be back challenging for the top positions at this week’s Rallye Deutschland, and I’m confident that we will be in a positon to do that,” said Dovenby Hall-based M-Sport’s team principal Malcolm Wilson.

“The Fiesta won the event last year and the aim this week is to be in the fight for those top positions once again.

“Having won the event three times, Sébastien knows what it takes and Elfyn also has good form which will see him hunting a maiden podium on German soil.

“Teemu [Suninen] has a more difficult weekend ahead of him as this will be his first asphalt event behind the wheel of a world rally car.

“But it’s an important step in his career and I’m sure he’s looking forward to the challenge.”

Rallye Deutschland is considered one of the FIA World Rally Championship’s most demanding asphalt events and its mixed terrain demands sharp reactions and the upmost focus.

Characterised by its variety, the event incorporates twisting roads through iconic vineyards, fast country lanes and broken asphalt on the notorious Baumholder military range.

The event gets under way in the picturesque town of St Wendal on Thursday evening and the 325.76 kilometres of competitive terrain are split into 18 special stages.

Ahead of making his asphalt debut in the top-specification Fiesta, Suninen said: “This will be my first time in a world rally car on asphalt and a big leap into the unknown.

“So far, I know nothing about driving these cars on this surface and I will have a lot to learn.

“I’m most curious about the tyre wear and how to use the brakes.”