Markko joined Ford Rallye Sport in 2002 and took the lead in a WRC event for the first time at the Cyprus Rally. He led again at the Acropolis before a puncture ruined his chances of getting a victory. Martin stayed at Ford in 2003 and achieved excellent performances in New Zealand and Argentina... only to retire. Markko took his revenge at the Acropolis Rally. He led the event almost from the start until the finish and won his first WRC victory. On top of that, the Estonian won in Finland in front of the local stars. The 2004 season confirmed that Markko Martin was one of the best drivers in the world. The Ford driver won in Mexico, Corsica and Catalunya, the latter two events on asphalt. Martin finished third in the 2004 standings.