The 'Cumbrian Maranello' where Ford's WRC giants are born
M-Sport is changing the game as a World Rally Championship powerhouse, inspired by Ferrari's legendary Formula 1 base. Autosport was afforded a behind-the-scenes look at its new headquarters, the result of a vision that has taken three decades to be realised, where its new Rally1 Puma took shape
The seeds were sown from a trip to Ferrari’s famous Maranello base 30 years ago and, after a decade of graft, M-Sport now has its own piece of Fiorano on its doorstep. This is the vision of M-Sport founder Malcolm Wilson that became reality this year when the final pieces of the project finally came together. The result is a 1.7-mile FIA Grade 3 test track that is surrounded by a new ultra-modern behemoth of a workshop.
Approaching the Cumbrian village of Dovenby, there’s a sign that reads ‘Welcome to Dovenby, please drive carefully’. It’s a touch ironic, since within 100 metres of that sign is the headquarters of World Rally Championship powerhouse M-Sport.
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