M-Sport prépare le Monte-Carlo

Depuis dimanche dernier, les pilotes de l’équipe M-sport sont en tests préparatoires au Rallye Monte-Carlo dans le sud de la France. Elfyn Evans, Bryan Bouffier, Mikko Hirvonen se sont relayés au volant de la Ford Fiesta RS WRC/Michelin, avant l’arrivée de Robert Kubica aujourd’hui.

Les tests initialement prévus en décembre ayant été annulés, l’équipe britannique effectue donc ses essais hivernaux quelques jours avant le Rallye Monte-Carlo avec quatre nouveaux pilotes, dont deux qui découvrent la Ford Fiesta RS WRC.

Il a beaucoup neigé dans la nuit de samedi à dimanche dernier dans le Vercors, et la séance du Gallois Elfyn Evans s’est déroulée dans des conditions particulièrement difficiles au Col de l’Echarasson. Au fil des heures et des passages, la neige s’est transformée en « soupe » et la base ressemblait à la spéciale du Turini l’an passé. Pas génial pour prendre en main la Fiesta RS WRC avant son 1^er Rallye Monte-Carlo…

Le lendemain, le Français Bryan Bouffier a évolué sur des routes un peu plus praticables, là même où il s’était assuré de la victoire en 2011. Non retenu dans l’équipe officielle Hyundai pour laquelle il a assuré le développement de l’i20 WRC, le Français a trouvé refuge chez M-Sport. Il a eu la chance de pouvoir piloter la Ford Fiesta RS WRC sur la neige/verglas le matin, puis sur une route pratiquement sèche en fin de journée, idéal pour passer en revue toute la gamme de pneus proposée par Michelin.

Hier (mardi), ce fut au tour de Mikko Hirvonen de retrouver le staff M-Sport qu’il avait quitté fin 2011. A son arrivée, les mécanos lui avaient d’ailleurs réservé une petite surprise en remplissant l’habitacle de ballons de baudruche marqués « welcome home ». Mikko a eu droit à deux jours d’essais pour retrouver ses marques au volant de la Ford Fiesta RS WRC avec laquelle il n’a finalement disputé que 13 rallyes mondiaux (contre 26 sur Citroën DS3 WRC). La 1^ère journée s’est déroulée au Col Saint-Jean, près de Laborel, sur des routes sèches et usantes pour les pneumatiques. Aujourd’hui, M-Sport a établi son campement à Saint-Nazaire-le-Désert et y restera jusqu’à vendredi. Le Polonais Robert Kubica est attendu ce mercredi pour prendre en main sa nouvelle monture. François Delecour, vainqueur du Rallye Monte-Carlo il y a 20 ans, devrait rouler jeudi ou vendredi.

passion !!

A hobby, the bike commisioned by a stranger, countless working hours... Our passion is also this.

Publication de Codcast Channel.

At a glance: The most important events of 2014

Early planning makes life easy, so we bring you the most important dates from the 2014 international motoring calendar, to help you pick your priorities for the coming year...

Scottsdale Auction Week / 12-19 January 2014

The traditional Scottsdale auction week in Arizona sees all the major auction houses, from RM and Bonhams to Gooding and Barrett-Jackson, starting the season on a high. Previous highlights include RM Auctions' 1961 Porsche 718 RS Spyder with outstanding racing history.

NAIAS Detroit / 18- 26 January 2014

Can the BMW M4 hold a candle to its predecessors, or the new Porsche 911 Targa and Ford Mustang prove themselves worthy of the world's attention?  The Detroit Motor Show will answer these questions and many more.

Retromobile / 5-9 February 2014

Retromobile 2014 promises such treats as special exhibitions in honour of the French sports car icons from Alpine and the luxury cars of the Maharajas - as well as speed heroes John Parry-Thomas and Sir Malcolm Campbell. The Artcurial auction this year has an extensive Alfa content, too.

Geneva Salon / 6-16 March 2014

It's Geneva that traditionally sees the unveiling of the most stunning sports cars and concepts. Already confirmed for 2014: the world premiere of the new Lamborghini Huracán and the successor to the Ferrari California.  

Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance / 6-9 March 2014

If it's still cold and wintry in Europe, treat yourself to some Florida sun and the first major beauty contest of the season. This year, the organisers will honour the race driver Jochen Mass. 

Techno Classica / 27-30 March 2014

The Techno Classica in Essen is always worth the journey. With more than 1,250 exhibitors in 20 halls, there are large and small automotive treasures, including many classics from the Classic Driver Market.

Grand Prix Historique de Monaco / 9-11 May 2014

There are fewer sights more surreal than seeing historic competition warhorses thundering through the legendary hairpins of Monaco – but that’s what the Grand Prix Historique is all about. 

Mille Miglia / 15-18 May 2014

Though many participants complain about commercialisation and modern sports cars in the field, the Mille Miglia remains one of the top dynamic events for classic and vintage car enthusiasts. We can’t wait to see which almost-forgotten cars are coaxed back into life for this year's run. 

Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este / May 2014

The idyllic setting and distinguished guests (of both the human and automotive kind) at Lake Como make Villa d’Este 2014 a certainty in the Classic Driver calendar – even if the date hasn’t been finalised yet. Will BMW be able to outdo last year’s coup of securing Ralph Lauren as a guest star (and overall winner)?

24 Hours of Le Mans / 14-15 June 2014

We must admit, the famous 24-hour race has lacked a little something of late. Perhaps that something is Porsche, which return to Le Mans this year after a 16-year hiatus – meaning an enticing familial scrap with Audi is on the cards.

Goodwood Festival of Speed / 26-29 June 2014

This year’s theme is ‘Addicted to Speed: The Unbeatable Champions of Motorsport’, and will celebrate the legendary drivers, riders, teams and manufacturers who swept their peers aside.

Le Mans Classic 2014 /4-6 July 2014

More than 450 historic racing cars are already on the list to ‘perform’ at the grand spectacle that is the biennial Le Mans Classic.

Monterey Car Week / Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance / 11-17 August 2014

The only negative feeling you’ll have after attending Monterey Car Week is the disappointment that you couldn’t take a few clones of yourself along with you, in order to attend every race, concours, auction and cocktail party.

Goodwood Revival / 12-14 September 2014

Goodwood's Revival meeting is possibly the most involving spectacle in the classic car calendar. We recommend you start your search for the perfect period costume immediately.

Mondial Automobile Paris / 2-19 October 2014

Europe’s autumn motor show will take place in Paris this year as a result of the yearly alternation with Frankfurt. There’s still some time before the show’s news begins to trickle out to the media.

'Life with Le Mans': Racing legends on Japanese roads

When thoroughbred competition cars are retired from duty, they often find themselves lying dormant in a private collection, waiting for the 'right event' to coax them back to life. But not this trio – their Japanese owners live by their joint motto: "I enjoy the race car in my daily life"...