Making a full recovery from the mild concussion suffered at Rally Mexico, co-driver Daniel Barritt is making a welcome return to the squad – the Lancastrian’s distinctive accent calling the notes for Evans once more.
With the Brits missing out on victory by a mere 0.7 seconds last year, and all three Fiestas finishing in the overall top-four, the team have proven performances in Argentina and are confident of securing another strong result this year.
“It’s been a long time since we’ve secured a win in Argentina, and that’s something we’d all love to achieve this week,” said M-Sport team principal Malcolm Wilson OBE, from Cockermouth.
“We’ve had a fantastic start to the season, but we know how strong the competition is and the whole team is working hard to ensure another strong result – something all three of our drivers are capable of delivering.
“This remains the only event that Sébastien and Julien are yet to win.
“They want to add this accolade to their long list of achievements and, knowing the form that they’re in at the moment; they’re in with a chance of doing it.
"They won’t have an easy run opening the road on Friday, but they can never be discounted – even when the odds are stacked against them.
“It’s great to see Dan fully recovered and reunited with Elfyn on an event they came so close to winning last year. They both really enjoy this event and have gone extremely well here in the past.
“They’re in need of a strong result to kick-start their championship campaign and I’m confident they can do that.”
With testing on location prohibited for long-haul events, M-Sport Ford used their time wisely, focusing their efforts on a comprehensive development test in Portugal and targeting another improved performance on gravel.
The Cumbrians are also in with a chance of securing an impressive statistic.
Their new-generation world rally cars have contested 17 events since launching last year, and the Fiesta has claimed eight victories. If they claim the top step of the podium again this week, the Blue Oval will be able to hold 50 per cent of the available wins to its badge.
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