In a surprise move, Ford of Europe became the second team after MINI in four days to announce a withdrawal from the World Rally Championship (WRC) after the 2012 season.
Ford’s motorsport division, in its current form, has participated in the WRC with a full factory-backed team since 1997 in cooperation with Malcom Wilson’s M-Sport.
In a statement, the Blue Oval explained that its decision to leave the series one year earlier than originally planned was made due to the “difficult economic environment” in its European business.
“Ford has a long and proud history in the WRC and this was not an easy decision”, said vice president of marketing, sales and service of Ford Europe, Roelant de Waard. “At this time, however, we determined that it was better for the company and the Ford brand to reduce our commitment to the WRC and deploy our resources in other areas.”
M-Sport, which has been preparing all factory-entered Fords, from the Escort through the Focus and today’s Fiesta, will continue to participate in the world championship.
Ford said that it is in discussions to provide engineering support to Wilson’s outfit for both the WRC and the recently announced R5 versions of the Fiesta.
“I would like to thank Ford of Europe for their enthusiastic support and the faith show in the team over the past 16 season. We understand that hard decisions have had to be made to safeguard Ford jobs”, said Malcom Wilson, M-Sport’s managing director.
He added: “My intention is that we will continue to push forward with the development work that was started in March this year and refine the Fiesta WRC even further, ready for the 2013 season.”
Since 1997, Ford’s factory team has won two constructors’ championships, in 2006 and 2007. It has also scored 52 wins from 225 starts, 208 podium finishes and its drivers have finished in the points in 156 consecutive races.
By Andrew Tsaousis
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