Kenya’s sole representative in WRC Rally Italia Sardegna, Amwar Hamza got back into the swing of things behind the wheel of a new-look M-Sport Poland -prepared Ford Fiesta Rally3 marque.
Hamza, who is featuring in his third Junior WRC event of the season in Italy this weekend, finished fifth fastest in Junior WRC in Thursday’s opening Super Special at SS1 Olbia-Cabu Abbas.
On SS1, Hamza cruised steadily to finish 74th overall in an upgraded Rally3 Evo, which scores points toward the WRC3 and Junior WRC categories. By the time of going to press, Hamza was gearing up for his run on SS2 Tantariles 20ris 1.
The FIA Junior WRC descended upon the seaside town of Olbia this week for Rally Italia Sardegna, which is Round Three in the one-make series’ five-stop calendar.
The June 1-4 event not only hosts the series’ opening gravel round but also marks the FIA World Rally Championship debut of M-Sport Poland, who recently unveiled the Ford Fiesta Rally3 Evo.
All eight Junior WRC crews including Hamza got their first taste of the upgraded car, which has received several tweaks including a new-look front bumper, a new rear wing plus updated suspension damper specifications.
“I’m very proud to see another step forward for Junior WRC and M-Sport Poland this weekend with the introduction of the Fiesta Rally3 Evo,” FIA Junior WRC championship manager Maciej Woda told www.wrc.com.
He added: “It’s a result of close to two years of continuous improvement and development by the talented team back at M-Sport Poland’s headquarters in Krakow.”
FIA Junior WRC leader William Creighton, who set the fastest time on SS1 commented: “I think bringing the updated cars to the Junior WRC field mid-season underlines our commitment to ensuring the very best Rally3 cars are available to all Junior WRC competitors,” he added.
The upgraded Rally 3 Fiesta Evo car, which made its competitive debut in 2021, is currently the vehicle of choice for WRC3 as well as the hugely popular one-make FIA Junior WRC series. It has now undergone a series of evolutions across several departments.
Notably, the car’s front end has been given a face-lift which includes a new bonnet, wing mirrors, and bumper to enhance the efficiency of its cooling system, plus LED headlights and tail lights. Additionally, a new rear wing —which is already tried and tested on the Fiesta Rally2— also been also fitted.
The engine bay houses a new short-ratio gearbox aimed at improving torque delivery at lower speeds and improving acceleration, while the suspension dampers for both gravel and asphalt have also been upgraded.
Another feature is new air ducts, which have been designed to enhance brake cooling.
