M-Sport WRC drivers' futures in doubt ahead of Rally GB

Both works Ford Fiesta RS WRC drivers retired from the second day of the recent Rally of Spain after which team principal Malcolm Wilson admitted their careers were hanging in the balance.

"I'm not going to guarantee anything," said Wilson, "I've told them both, we'll talk about their future in this team after the next rally.

"There's potential for other drivers coming onto the market and it wouldn't make sense for me to sign anybody up before I have to."

Asked if this meant Evans and Tanak were driving for their careers on the Deeside-based event, Wilson added: "Yes, it's a harsh reality, but yes."

Evans said: "I've been under pressure for I don't know how long, so you can't add any more pressure.

"I know we made a step in Spain in terms of confidence in the car, but the combination's still not good enough on gravel - it's clear the car can do it and now we have to.

"We're testing for two days before GB and I have to find that confidence and there are a couple of things we can try.

"I want to stay here, of course I do. I feel I've shown a lot of glimpses of what I can do and once they come together, it can be really, really good."

Tanak, who's on his second stay at M-Sport after being dropped at the end of 2012, said: "I have been to GB a few times in a World Rally Car and I like the event, it's a fast one.

"We have good speed on gravel, so now we have to go there and do the same thing.

"I don't see any reason why we can't fight for the podium."

Wilson admitted the sporadic performances from the drivers were a cause of major frustration.

"They've got to find a way to dig deep and find a way out of these difficult times," he said.

"There have been enough opportunities, but I don't know if they can learn and move on.

"They have to find a way to put all of the rubbish to the back of their mind, then get on and do their job."