FORD EXTENDS WRC PARTICIPATION WITH M-SPORT
FORD EXTENDS WRC PARTICIPATION IN NEW TWO-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH M-SPORT
JYVÄSKYLÄ, FINLAND, 29 July 2009 - Ford of Europe today confirmed its commitment to the FIA World Rally Championship by announcing its continued participation for the next two seasons. Ford, together with long-term partner M-Sport, will continue its successful WRC programme in 2010 and 2011.
The record-breaking Ford Focus RS World Rally Car, which claimed the manufacturers' world title in 2006 and 2007, will again contest the championship next season. In 2011 the team will switch to the all-new Ford Fiesta S2000, based on the hugely successful Fiesta road car which is one of Europe's top-selling vehicles.
The team will retain its current driver line-up of Mikko Hirvonen / Jarmo Lehtinen and Jari-Matti Latvala / Miikka Anttila. Senior partners BP and Abu Dhabi will also continue their support.
Ford has a long and successful heritage in world rallying. With 71 world rally wins in WRC and a record-breaking 115 consecutive points finishes, Ford is one of the most successful and formidable teams in the series. The squad goes into this week's Rally Finland with Mikko Hirvonen and Jarmo Lehtinen heading the drivers' points table with four rounds remaining.
Ford of Europe chairman and CEO John Fleming highlighted the strong will to continue from both parties. "We've worked closely with Malcolm and M-Sport to reach this point, and today's announcement is important because it emphasises the commitment that we share about maintaining Ford's prominent position in motorsport globally. This renewed commitment builds on the excellent relationship that we have with Malcolm and his dedicated team," he said.
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29th July, 2009