Liatti focuses on asphalt for Ford
Piero Liatti is to join the Ford World Rally Team behind the wheel of a Focus WRC. The asphalt expert will partner regular drivers Colin McRae and Carlos Sainz in three weeks time on the Tour de Corse and on next month's Rallye San Remo
The 28-year-old Italian is to replace recent Subaru signing Petter Solberg on the two asphalt events as the M-Sport-run team attempts to take potential point-scoring positions from its title rivals. McRae and Sainz are vying for the drivers' title and are eight and 17 points respectively behind series leader Marcus Gronholm.
"I'm delighted to have the chance to drive a Focus on my favourite surface," said Liatti. "I think I can finish in the top places on both rallies and I think victory is possible in Italy."
Liatti has scored one world championship victory to date, on the 1997 Monte Carlo Rally, but has made a name for himself on asphalt events, scoring numerous podium finishes, including two second places on his home event, the Rallye San Remo.
"His presence strengthens our asphalt line-up," said M-Sport boss Malcolm Wilson. "His expertise will also provide us with valuable feedback in our continuing development programme on asphalt."
Previous article
SEAT to pull out of World Rally Championship
Next article
World Championship action hots up in Cyprus
Rally Belgium: Sunday Afternoon Highlights
Vodafone Rally de Portugal Friday afternoon recap
Croatia Rally SS5-SS8
WRC Croatia Rally 2021 Teaser
Does Neuville have a point with his Rally1 rant?
OPINION: Thierry Neuville's diatribe against the upcoming Rally1-spec machines that will usher in the World Rally Championship's new hybrid era was remarkable in an era where drivers are usually reticent to air their views in public. But are the Belgian's concerns about speed, safety and cost entirely valid?
How the WRC's new flying Finn reached new heights in the Greek mountains
After Kalle Rovanpera’s historic feat at Rally Estonia, the Finn scaled new heights at the Rally of the Gods with a commanding victory. And this time Toyota’s young star demonstrated why the future is bright with his devastating speed and consistency at the Acropolis Rally
The WRC drivers that came of age at the Acropolis Rally
Five drivers have won first time out at the Rally Acropolis, transcending the tough dirt and gravel Greek roads to cement a place in rallying folklore. Here are three of the first-time winners' tales
Understanding Suninen’s sudden WRC exit gamble
From being considered a likely contender to drive the next-generation M-Sport Ford Puma in 2022, Teemu Suninen's abrupt exit has created plenty of questions. The Finn's bid to become his country's next World Rally Championship winner won't be furthered by being sidelined, but there may be reason behind the decision
Could Spa’s cameo offer the WRC a new avenue to exploit?
OPINION: The Ypres Rally featured a cameo from the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in its final stage, giving WRC teams the chance to experience its iconic corners in rallying machinery. It proved to be an engaging addition to the rally, and could perhaps serve as an example for other events to visit famous circuits
How Hyundai's home hero delivered overdue WRC success in Belgium
With limited recent fortune and pressure starting to mount, Hyundai needed a big result at the Ypres Rally. All the key components came together in Belgium to see home hero Thierry Neuville lead a manufacturer 1-2 and kickstart its World Rally Championship challenge
The new car that can resurrect Ford's WRC winning pedigree
M-Sport has become the first to unveil its new-for-2022 hybrid World Rally Championship challenger, the Puma Rally1. Ford has upped its support in a bid for glory, but can the new machine roll back the years and return the Blue Oval to the top of the WRC tree?
The rookie WRC driver aiming to continue Loeb and Ogier's legacies
French drivers have dominated the World Rally Championship across the past two decades; Sebastiens Loeb and Ogier have racked up the titles in commanding fashion. With Ogier calling it a day on full-time WRC competition from next year, France will pin its long-term hopes on rookie Adrien Fourmaux, who looks to have a bright future.
