M-Sport-Ford’s new signing Jon Armstrong feels his head turning tempo in Croatia final weekend has proved he belongs within the World Rally Championship’s high tier.
At first of the 12 months, the 2025 European Rally Championship runner-up outlined that one in all his goals was to show he deserves a spot in rallying’s elite after M-Sport confirmed religion within the Northern Irishman to make the leap to Rally1 equipment.
“It’s not my first time in WRC, however my first time on the highest stage,” mentioned Armstrong forward of January’s season opener in Monte Carlo. “It’s unusual to be rubbing shoulders with them however the principle factor is to try to show that I belong right here. Now we have accomplished good rallies in ERC however I want to point out what we will do at this stage.”
Armstrong has wasted little time proving he can struggle with rallying’s elite, turning heads in Monte Carlo, Sweden and Kenya.
However final weekend’s outing on Croatia’s asphalt outlined his true potential, posting high three stage instances in 10 exams, commonly mixing with and beating rivals from manufacturing facility groups Toyota and Hyundai, driving vehicles which have undergone way more improvement than his Ford Puma.
The 31-year-old and co-driver Shane Byrne got here agonisingly near claiming a primary stage win, lacking out by 0.1s to 2024 world champion Thierry Neuville in stage three.
Whereas an error within the following stage meant he missed the Friday afternoon loop, Armstrong confirmed what he’s able to by ending third within the Tremendous Sunday standings and on the Energy Stage to say six beneficial factors. Solely Toyota’s Oliver Solberg and Elfyn Evans have been faster than the M-Sport driver via Sunday’s phases.
Having proved his pace, the 2017 WRC esports champion says his subsequent aim is to say a high 5 end and believes the journey to the Canary Islands subsequent week may supply up a chance to attain it.
Jon Armstrong, Shane Byrne, M-Sport Ford World Rally Staff Ford Puma Rally1
Photograph by: M-Sport
“I feel this weekend has been good to reply that query [about proving that I belong here in the WRC,” Armstrong told Motorsport.com.
“But on the gravel rallies we still need to understand fully because Kenya is not really a full gravel rally. We will need to learn more on the loose surface to see where we are. I don’t think we will be so bad, but we need to work harder on that than tarmac. Even Sweden was nice, but I think we have shown what we can do and we belong here.
“For sure, it has been good to get close to the front runner’s pace. It is one of those rallies that has been tough but our pace has been good. I think over half of the stages we have been in the top three, which is quite good and quite close to the fastest time again. To get P3 on the Power stage and on Super Sunday is very strong for us, so I’m happy with that.
“I knew if I could do everything correctly it would be possible [to be strong in Croatia]. The massive factor is studying what the automotive is able to doing and particularly with the aero within the quick locations, however I’ve been beginning to perceive that.
“I feel we in all probability ought to have gotten one [a stage win], however on the identical time it’s not going to vary the world if we get it however it is going to be good after we do. It’s extra vital to concentrate on getting a high 5 outcome, and I feel within the Canary Islands it could possibly be doable if we keep clear.”
The efficiency was effectively acquired by M-Sport-Ford crew principal Richard Milliner, who had set a lofty goal for his drivers to problem and beat the manufacturing facility Hyundai crews in rallies this 12 months.
“It’s been a very thrilling rally for us, and it’s improbable to see the tempo Jon and Shane have proven all through the whole weekend,” mentioned Millener.
“To observe them combating on the high of the stage timesheets in opposition to way more skilled Rally1 crews and to come back away with third total within the Energy Stage and Tremendous Sunday factors, is an impressive achievement.”
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