Patterson returns to WRC as Greensmith’s new co-driver

Northern Irish co-driver, Chris Patterson, is set to start his first World Rally Championship event in two and half years partnering M-Sport’s Gus Greensmith on April’s Rally Croatia.

Patterson replaces Elliott Edmondson who has been Greensmith’s navigator since the start of 2019. M-Sport has endured a challenging start to the WRC season with its only full-time crew finishing eighth and ninth on Rally Monte-Carlo and Arctic Rally Finland.

The addition of Patterson will bring years of experience as Greensmith continues his first full year in a World Rally Car.

M-Sport’s social media statement on Wednesday morning read:

“Young Brit Gus Greensmith will be joined by a new co-driver at next month’s Rally Croatia – Chris Patterson bringing a wealth of experience to the EcoBoost-powered Ford Fiesta WRC in what is an important development year for the youngster.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Elliott Edmondson and wish him the very best of luck for the future. As one of the most talented up-and-coming young co-drivers, we’re sure our paths will meet again soon.”

Edmondson described the end of his partnership with Greensmith as “agreeably decided for the benefit of both our careers” before thanking his former driver, the Greensmith family, and M-Sport.

Patterson’s last world rally was Rally Spain in October 2018 when he finished 21st alongside Khalid Al-Qassimi in a Citroen C3 WRC. The 52-year-old had been competing with Al-Qassimi since 2014, racking up over 20 WRC starts together.

Kris Meeke and Petter Solberg are amongst the list of drivers Patterson has navigated on the world stage. His partnership with Solberg between 2010 and ‘12 is his most successful to date, scoring 12 WRC podiums with Citroen and Ford.

Photos courtesy of M-Sport and Citroen Racing