Millener Wants Greater Consistency From Sesks

Richard Millener has urged Martins Sesks to deliver a more consistent performance as the Latvian returns to M-Sport Ford for Rally Portugal 2026. The M-Sport team principal stressed that Sesks’ natural speed has never been in doubt, but believes he now needs to better control his aggressive driving style across a full rally weekend.

Portugal marks Sesks’ first WRC appearance since Rally Sweden in February, where his event ended after a puncture-related retirement. This season, Sesks is scheduled to contest half of the championship with Ford Puma Rally1 machinery as part of M-Sport’s long-term development programme.

The Latvian immediately demonstrated competitive pace during the Portugal shakedown by finishing fourth overall. The result highlighted Sesks’ ability to quickly adapt despite spending several months away from Rally1 competition.

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“We know he is very explosive. We know he has a very aggressive driving style and that is where his speed comes from,” Millener explained.

From a technical perspective, Sesks is particularly known for his highly committed corner-entry approach and aggressive direction changes on gravel surfaces. While the style often delivers impressive single-stage pace, it also increases the risk of mistakes during long and demanding rallies.

Millener made clear that M-Sport does not want to fundamentally change Sesks’ attacking character as a driver. However, the team hopes he can now build a more stable and controlled approach capable of converting outright speed into consistent results.

“We all want to see him deliver a consistent performance that gives him the results he deserves,” Millener added.

Rally Portugal is widely regarded as one of the most complex challenges for young Rally1 drivers because of its combination of fast gravel roads, limited service opportunities, and potentially changing weather conditions throughout the weekend. Thursday and Friday in particular are expected to be especially demanding with minimal full-service support.

From an experience standpoint, Sesks and team-mates Jon Armstrong and Josh McErlean remain significantly less experienced than the leading drivers from Toyota Gazoo Racing and Hyundai Motorsport. That reality makes risk management particularly important for M-Sport this weekend.

Millener also warned that favourable road positions in dry conditions could quickly become dangerous if rain arrives later in the rally. With Portugal’s gravel stages expected to evolve constantly, drivers must balance aggressive pace with tyre management and error control.

“Here you need to push in a controlled way. That is easier said than done,” Millener admitted.

Rally Portugal 2026 officially begins on Thursday afternoon with three opening special stages before the main gravel sections start on Friday. For Sesks, the event is now viewed as one of the most important opportunities of his season to prove he can develop from a naturally fast prospect into a regular Rally1 points and podium contender.