When you ask most engineers at M-Sport where their passion began, you’ll often hear a familiar story — childhood curiosity about how machines work, long nights watching rally highlights, and the thrill of speed and precision. For Matthew, now a Junior Rally Engineer, that story began the same way: with an early fascination for cars and a determination to turn that passion into a lifelong career.

Ignition On: A New Chapter at M-Sport

“My name’s Matthew and I studied Electrical and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Strathclyde,” he begins. “I joined M-Sport in October 2024 as a Graduate Transmissions Engineer.”

For Matthew, joining M-Sport was about more than simply finding his first role after university.
“I’ve been obsessed with cars since I was a kid. Throughout my studies, I knew I wanted to work in motorsport,” he says. “When I discovered M-Sport’s graduate programme, it immediately stood out — the chance to work for such a respected name in rallying, in a hands-on engineering environment, and in such a beautiful part of the country, felt like the perfect fit.”

Building Pace: From Theory to Track

Matthew’s first year at M-Sport has been packed with learning, discovery, and real-world engineering challenges. With a strong background in both electrical and mechanical systems, he was eager to put his knowledge into action.
“My studies gave me a solid foundation in mechanical systems and problem-solving — essential for understanding how transmissions perform under the extreme demands of rallying,” he explains.

His experience building a Formula Student car at university had already sparked a love for applied engineering, making the transition to M-Sport a natural next step.
“Joining M-Sport felt like the perfect progression,” Matthew says. “It’s where you take everything you’ve learned in theory and apply it to real-world motorsport. The team has been incredibly supportive, helping me build on that foundation and grow as an engineer.”

One standout moment came early on. “It really hit me when I went to watch the Carlisle Stages BRC,” he recalls. “Seeing Romet and Garry fly past in Rally2 cars — and then watching Romet win — was incredible. That’s when I realised: wow, I’m really part of something big here.”

In the Fast Lane: Life at M-Sport

Life in motorsport is all about adapting, reacting, and improving — and Matthew thrives on that energy.
“It’s exciting, fast, and no two days are ever the same,” he says. Following M-Sport’s success on the world stage has been a proud experience.
“Watching our cars compete and knowing I’ve played even a small part in that is amazing,” he says. “Seeing Jon and Romet take a 1-2 at Ceredigion was a real highlight. That’s when all the hard work pays off — everyone here wants to win.”

Shifting Up a Gear: Growing with M-Sport

After completing his first year, Matthew moved into the role of Junior Rally Engineer — a testament to how quickly graduates can progress within M-Sport.
“The title is new, but I’m still learning every day,” he explains. “The graduate scheme gave me a strong foundation, and now I’m taking on more responsibility and more complex projects.”

Looking ahead, Matthew aims to continue developing his skills and eventually lead his own engineering projects.
“I’d love to lead a project one day. It’s a big goal, but being surrounded by so many talented people makes it feel achievable.”

Navigating the Next Stage: Advice for Aspiring Engineers

When it comes to advice, Matthew keeps it simple:
“Get as much hands-on experience as possible. It doesn’t have to be directly in motorsport — anything practical and automotive-related helps. Employers look for curiosity, initiative, and effort. Don’t be afraid to get stuck in and learn by doing.”

He adds, “If you’re passionate about motorsport and ready to learn, M-Sport is the perfect place to start your career. You’ll be challenged, supported, and surrounded by people who share that same drive to be the best. You don’t just learn at M-Sport — you live engineering every day.”

Matthew’s story perfectly captures what the M-Sport Graduate Programme is all about: passion, progress, and performance. For graduates ready to see their engineering come alive on the rally stage — and be part of a team that never stops pushing forward — M-Sport is where careers go full throttle.

As Super Typhoon Ragasa struck southern China in late September 2025, unusual images began circulating online: cars strapped tightly to trees with ropes. At first glance, the sight looked bizarre, but for local residents it was a desperate attempt at storm protection.

With wind speeds reaching more than 200 km/h, even heavy vehicles risk being shifted, overturned, or swept away. To reduce damage, residents in Guangdong and surrounding provinces used thick ropes to anchor their cars to sturdy trees, poles, or other fixed structures. This improvised method, while not foolproof, helps prevent cars from rolling into buildings, blocking roads, or being carried by floodwaters.

Typhoon Ragasa forced the evacuation of nearly 1.9 million people in Guangdong. Rail services, schools, and businesses were suspended. Along the coast, hurricane-force winds, torrential rains, and severe flooding were reported, with major disruptions in Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and Yangjiang.

Although tying cars to trees may appear unusual, it illustrates how people adapt quickly in the face of increasingly powerful tropical cyclones. For many families without access to garages or secure shelters, ropes and strong trees became their last line of defense against the world’s strongest storm of the year.

Photo: Viral image shared on social media during Typhoon Ragasa.

Ford has made history by setting a new Guinness World Records title for the Largest Parade of Vans as part of celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the iconic Transit.

A total of 201 Ford Transit vans, from classic petrol-powered models to the latest E-Transit and Transit Custom PHEV, took part in the record-breaking convoy. The event united Transit owners, small business operators, dealers, media, and enthusiasts in a remarkable display of community and passion for one of the world’s most versatile vans.

The convoy began at the Ford Dunton Technical Centre in Essex, covering a 29-mile (46 km) route before arriving at the first-ever Transit Festival at Chelmsford City Racecourse. More than 2,500 fans joined the festival, which included workshops on productivity for small businesses, tackling tool theft, and growing businesses through social media.

Lisa Brankin, Chair and Managing Director of Ford of Britain and Ireland, said:

“This record-setting achievement is a testament to the passion Transit inspires and to the versatility of the world’s best-selling cargo van. Our Transit convoy demonstrated the huge variety of services made possible by Ford Pro and Ford’s industry-defining van across six decades.”

The Guinness World Records certificate was officially presented at the event by adjudicator Carl Saville. Each participant also received a digital certificate recognizing their contribution as record-setters.

Peter Lee, Chairman of the Transit Van Club, emphasized the emotional significance of the event:

“Transit has touched millions of lives in its 60 years supporting businesses and communities, and every one of those people is a part of this iconic van’s story. To be involved in this record-setting experience feels extra special.”

Since its debut in 1965, more than 13 million Ford Transits have been produced globally, with either the Transit or Transit Custom being the UK’s best-selling van for 59 consecutive years. The new Guinness World Record is a fitting tribute to the van’s enduring legacy and bright future as it transitions into the electric era.