NGK-sponsored M-Sport Ford World Rally Team’s Elfyn Evans and Scott Martin had their hopes of victory at the Wales Rally GB dashed by a puncture. The team’s frustration was compounded by the fact that they had the pace to challenge for a top finish.

Evans managed seven fastest stage times and finished only 48.6 seconds adrift of the win proving that the EcoBoost-powered Ford Fiesta WRC, fitted with NGK spark plugs and NTK Lambda sensors, had the ability to challenge for the top positions.

Despite their weekend not going to plan, Evans and Martin remain upbeat, coming out on top in their final-day battle for fifth place and knowing that they have the speed and the confidence to challenge for the top results when the FIA World Rally Championship travels to the final rounds in Spain and Australia.

Mark Hallam, Marketing Manager, NGK Spark Plugs said, “Once again there were impressive performances by the M-Sport drivers and it was so disappointing that Elfyn’s race on home soil was thwarted by getting a puncture in front of his adoring fans.”