Robbie Sandford, from Motorsport UK’s co-driver class of 2024, is the next co-driver to join WRC team M-Sport for a work experience opportunity. 

An essential component of the Motorsport UK Academy programme, learning the skills required to develop and progress as a rally co-driver is just part of the motorsport performance pathway for young athletes.  

Robbie was announced to be joining M-Sport on a WRC round at the final co-driver workshop of the year, where the group covered the theory behind friction circles, shared feedback on their on-boards and took part in a fitness training session delivered by Porsche Human Performance. 

The opportunity provides co-drivers with insight into how a top-level WRC team operates and showcases other job roles that they may want to consider during their motorsport career.  

Robbie has had a successful 2024 to date, finishing 6th in the Old Forge Garage Mewla Rally with Jake Smith behind the wheel of his Ford Escort MK2. 

His success follows that of Academy alumni, Harry Walshaw who was chosen to join M-Sport on Secto Rally Finland, from 1-4 August. 

Katie Baldwin, Head of Competitor Development, Motorsport UK said, “The opportunity for our Academy to have the opportunity to gain WRC level experience thanks to M-Sport, is truly second to none. It’s an exceptional opportunity for co-drivers in our Academy to really develop their learning, identify transferable skills across roles within rallying and have in-situ experience while attending an international event.”  

Rich Millener, Team Principal, M-Sport Ford World Rally Team said, “It has been very rewarding to once again have a selection of this years’ academy co-drivers join us on selected WRC events. Although their roles of weather crew comes with very long days, I am sure it has been a rewarding experience for them and gives them an insight into what level we are operating at. I am looking forward to welcoming Robbie as the final selected co-driver for this season and giving another young talent a real money cannot buy experience. 

Robbie Sandford, adds, “I’m beyond thrilled to have been granted this incredible opportunity by Motorsport UK Academy and M-Sport to attend Rally Greece. This event has always been one of my absolute favourites on the WRC calendar, with its challenging terrain and rich history in the sport. Being able to experience it firsthand is a dream come true, so saying I’m excited for this remarkable event would be putting it mildly!” 

Robbie will travel with M-Sport to EKO Acropolis Rally Greece from 5-8 September.