Speaking at the EKO Acropolis Rally in Greece, Millener said the team's plans for next year are not yet finalized.
“We want to be here. The minimum requirement to compete in the championship is two cars, so that’s our goal.”
The WRC Kit opens more doors.
Millener believes the new arrangement gives the team more flexibility.
“I think using a Rally2 car with a WRC kit actually opens up more opportunities for us. More drivers are available and there are more possibilities.”
“It’s also interesting because it allows us to bring promising young drivers into the team or continue with some of our current drivers. At the same time, it gives us the opportunity to show that the Ford Fiesta Rally2 is still a competitive car.’
Millener believes the WRC Kit can also help strengthen the Fiesta's image.
“The car is 95 percent identical to the Rally2 version. Hopefully, this will help us sell a few more cars and generate positive interest in the Fiesta.”
McErlean drew attention to his performance in Donegal.
Millener cited Josh McErlean's performance at the Donegal Rally, where he challenged Kris Meeke, as an example.
“Josh was faster than Kris on some stages and, despite never having raced in Donegal before and not having driven a Rally2 car for 18 months, he stayed very close throughout the weekend.”
“I think it was a very good performance, because Kris had tested the Yaris for two days in Ireland before the rally and had also accumulated plenty of Rally2 mileage in Portugal.”
The Fiesta's competitiveness is constantly being tested.
Millener admitted that the Fiesta constantly had to prove its competitiveness.
“We know the Fiesta is still competitive, but unfortunately we have to keep proving it. Otherwise, people always start asking questions. The more we can show that, and the better if the Fiesta is competing at the front as part of the top category next year, the better it will be for us.”
Millener expects testing of the WRC Kit to begin immediately after homologation.
“"I think it's about a day after homologation, I guess."”
“The timeline is definitely very tight, especially when it comes to aerodynamic work. The aero development itself can be done relatively quickly, but producing the molds, manufacturing the bumpers and producing the parts takes time.”
“"However, I don't have a definite date right now."”