Autosportfoto

M-Sport pay tribute to Gareth Roberts

Competing in M-Sport cars and championships around the globe, Roberts' endearing personality and dedicated professionalism will be remembered by his colleagues the world over. The Welshman claimed victories in the Fiesta SportTrophy (FST) series, in the FIA WRC Academy and as the man behind the notes in Craig Breen's Ford Fiesta S2000 as part of the Super 2000 World Rally Championship (S-WRC). Claiming no fewer than five championships in four years, Roberts' dedication and enthusiasm for the sport was highly admired and respected.

Roberts began his rallying career at the tender age of 16 and came to the fore in 2008 when he partnered fellow Welshman Elfyn Evans to the championship laurels in both M-Sport's FST UK and FST Ireland series. Joining Breen in 2009, Roberts successfully defended his FST UK title as well as securing second place - with three out of three victories - in the FST Ireland series and dominated the FST International championship with wins in Portugal, Finland, Spain and GB.

Continuing his partnership with Breen, the pairing secured their place in the inaugural season of the FIA WRC Academy in 2010 as their talent and potential saw them selected as one of six Pirelli supported Star Drivers. Following a nail-biting fight to the finish, Breen and Roberts emerged victorious - winning rounds in Germany and GB and securing an impressive tally of stage victories - to win the 2011 edition of the FIA feeder-series in style on the final stage. The victory earned the duo the FIA scholarship which saw them compete as part of the S-WRC this year. Contesting the S-WRC in their Ford Fiesta S2000, the pairing claimed victory in Monte Carlo and second place in Sweden to currently lead the series ahead of a host of experienced crews.

In remembrance of the youngster, Ott Tänak's M-Sport Ford World Rally Team Ford Fiesta RS WRC will run with a commemorative sticker at this week's Brother Rally New Zealand with the FIA WRC Academy crews echoing the tribute in Finland.

Our thoughts are with Craig Breen and Roberts' family and friends. The world of rallying is stunned at the loss of such a promising young talent, but Roberts' legacy will not be forgotten; nor his good humour, caring nature and infectious smile.

M-Sport Managing Director, Malcolm Wilson OBE, said:

"All of our thoughts are with Craig [Breen] and Gareth's friends and family at this difficult time. Words cannot express our shock and sadness at the news, but Gareth's achievements and good nature will not be forgotten. Much of his career was spent with M-Sport, and he was clearly a very gifted and dedicated co-driver with a long and successful career ahead of him. Our deepest sympathy and condolences go out to all who had the privilege to know him."

m-sport.co.uk