Martin Prokop’s team are working flat-out to get a 2015-spec Ford Fiesta RS ready in time for Vodafone Rally de Portugal (21-24 May).
Developed by M-Sport, the new car will make its eagerly anticipated debut in Portugal, with M-Sport’s own Elfyn Evans and Ott Tänak heading the manufacturer entries.
Having sold his current Fiesta after XION Rally Argentina, leading privateer Prokop is aiming to join them in the latest machinery - but the timings are extremely tight.
"It’s crazy!" Prokop told wrc.com. "We will get the new car on Friday the week before the rally. We will drive it straight to Portugal for a test. I would have liked two days, but I think we will have time for only one before the rally starts."
An engineer and two mechanics from Prokop’s Jipocar Czech National Team will travel to M-Sport’s UK base next week to help assemble the car.
"The plan is to get it completed by Friday so we can drive to Portugal and test on Monday," added team boss Quirin Müller.
"Okay, Martin has only one day to get settled, but aside from the engine and transmission much of the car is pretty familiar to him. Another positive of course is that the changes made should all be improvements. I still think Martin will be able to get pretty comfortable in the time we have.
"Maybe it will be hard to match the fourth place he secured in Argentina, but if the car runs well with no technical issues then who knows?"