Ford of Europe have recently announced that it is extending its participation in the FIA World Championship into 2012 and 2013.
Long-term partner M-Sport, the British based preparation company which has successfully operated Ford's WRC activities since 1997, will continue to operate the programme from its state of the art facilities in Cumbria.
The Fiesta RS World Rally Car will continue as Ford's WRC flagship vehicle in 2012 and 2013. The car, based on the successful Fiesta road car, claimed a clean sweep of the podium in both the first and final rounds of its debut season last year.
Finland's Jari-Matti Latvala and co-driver Miikka Anttila, who topped the world rankings for special stage victories in 2011 and won the final round of the championship in Britain, are confirmed as team leaders for 2012. They will be partnered by former World Champion Petter Solberg and Chris Patterson, who have signed a one year agreement to drive the teams second Fiesta RS WRC in all 13 rounds. Solberg won the world title in 2003 and has 13 world rally wins to his name.
The squad will be named Ford World Rally Team and will retain support from long term partner Castrol for both 2012 and 2013.
Ford have a long and successful heritage in rallying. It is second in the all-time wins list with 79 world rally victories and its run of 145 consecutive points finishes, dating back to the opening round of the 2002 championship, is the longest in the sports history.
Ford Parkwood
Service & Accident Repair
Sutton Road, Parkwood, Maidstone
Kent ME15 9NH More Details
Ford Maidstone
23 Ashford Road
Maidstone
Kent ME14 5DQ More Details
