M-Sport pull covers off fresh-faced Puma Rally1 car

M-Sport has officially revealed the look its Puma Rally1 car will sport for the upcoming FIA World Rally Championship campaign in the hands of Ott Tanak and Pierre-Louis Loubet.

Jason Craig_1

16 Jan 2023

In an online video released by the Cockermouth-based team, it takes viewers through the process of dressing the car’s bare carbon fibre shell in a livery said to be influenced by “synthetic music”.

Similar to last year, the Puma Rally1’s “bold, new look” is dominated by the logo and colouring of energy drinks company Red Bull, with this present on the front, sides, and rear of the car.

This coincides with the news that both Tanak – who returns to M-Sport after five seasons away – and Loubet – who has been handed a full season at the top table – are now part of the Red Bull family.

M-Sport is the third and final World Rally Championship outfit to go public with its title challenger following recent unveils by Toyota Gazoo Racing and Hyundai Motorsport with their GR Yaris Rally1 and I20 N Rally1 cars respectively. However, unlike them, the aero package on the Puma Rally1 does not appear to have been changed all that much during the course of the off-season.

“Inspired by synthetic wave music, and maintaining its electrified look as a nod to the hybrid era, 2023’s livery features neon bolts of vibrant pink and electric blue across a canvas of the iconic Ford blue,” said M-Sport.

“The team takes the success of 2022’s stunning livery and takes it one step further, hoping to make an impact in both colour and performance in 2023.

“Ford branding remains prominent on the car in the central bonnet location, while the iconic Red Bull remains a key feature of both Tanak and Loubet’s cars.

“Red Bull’s extended sponsorship now covers both drivers, who will be donning their new caps as official Red Bull athletes in 2023,” M-Sport added.

The new design is also going to grace the third points-scoring Puma Rally1 of Jourdan Serderidis. The Greek driver says it is going to be “a privilege but also a huge challenge” to kick-off 2023 in the southern Alps.

“Considering the level of competition and the tricky snow and ice conditions, I will be more than happy to be in the top 20 of this fantastic rally,” he said.