M-Sport's Teemu Suninen set to take the next step in his in career in Poland

The Finnish driver will get behind the wheel of Cockermouth-based M-Sport’s Ecoboost-powered Ford Fiesta WRC for the Orlen 74th Rally Poland.

Having progressed through the ranks, Suninen has natural talent and speed which M-Sport is proud to nurture as he battles head-to-head with some of the biggest names in rallying.

“I’ll be taking the next step in my career this week, and it’s a big step – my world rally car debut,” Suninen said.

“The challenge from WRC 2 has been multiplied and I can’t wait to get started. Rally Poland has always been kind to me, so it’s great to start this part of my career there.”

Having conducted a comprehensive two-day test at M-Sport’s private testing facility, the Finn has had an opportunity to get to grips with the top-specification Fiesta in both wet and dry conditions.

With experienced co-driver Mikko Markkula calling the notes, the stage is set for an encouraging debut at the sport’s highest level.

Suninen added: “Good preparation is really important.

"I don’t ever expect a debut in a world rally car to be easy, but we have completed a two-day test with M-Sport to get used to the car and find our feet.

“I’ve not had chance to test in Poland so I’ll need to take all of my high-speed kilometres from the rally itself.

“Shakedown will give us our first experience of these fast stages, and then the plan will be to drive smoothly to the finish – gaining maximum experience before my next outing on home soil.”

“I’m delighted to see Teemu behind the wheel of the Ford Fiesta WRC,” M-Sport’s Malcolm Wilson said.

“He is an exceptional young talent with an incredibly bright future ahead of him and it’s fantastic to see him take this important step with the M-Sport team.

“Seeing how he and Mikko work, I have no doubt that they will make the most of this week’s Rally Poland.

"Teemu is eager to learn and I’m sure that his level of commitment and determination will hold him in good stead.”