2010 World Rally Championship

PIRELLI COMPLETES THREE-YEAR TENURE AS OFFICIAL WRC TYRE SUPPLIER

Posted: November 12, 2010 12:11 PM

Pirelli will complete its three-year tenure as the official tyre supplier to the FIA World Rally Championship under an exclusive agreement with the FIA, motorsport?s world governing body, on Wales Rally GB this week (November 11-14).

During that time Pirelli has attracted significant praise from WRC drivers and teams for producing reliable tyres that have been required to perform on different surfaces in varying weather conditions and withstand punishing terrain without the use of run-flat mousse technology, which was outlawed to save costs in 2008.

Pirelli has also provided an exemplary level of customer service from its headquarters in Milan and on the ground at all WRC events through its dedicated team of expert engineers and technicians.

Since 2008, Pirelli has supplied a total of 26,960 versions of its PZero, Scorpion and Sottozero tyres, celebrated three drivers? and manufacturers? champions and covered almost 14,000 kilometres of special stages over 39 world championship rallies on snow, ice, asphalt and gravel.

Under the terms of its agreement with the FIA, Pirelli was challenged to focus on durability rather than outright performance when developing its WRC tyre range, albeit without using mousse inserts. It is therefore great testament to the advance design and meticulous production processes employed by Pirelli that of those 26,960 tyres supplied, only 42 have suffered failures on the punishing terrain encountered on world championship rallies, a percentage of 0.016.

“Overall, the number of genuine punctures has been very small without compromising performance,” said Pirelli?s senior WRC tyre engineer Matteo Braga. “Together with the high level of customer service and equality we have strived to achieve, that has probably been our biggest achievement, and it?s one that everyone has recognised.”

Sébastien Loeb, who has won his last three world drivers? titles using Pirelli tyres, added: “At the start of the agreement it was expected there would be some troubles because of the regulations meant you could only have two types of tyre and no mousse. But there were no punctures and lots of grip so no problems.”

Ford team boss Malcolm Wilson said: “Pirelli have done a terrific job. Their product has worked very well with no problems on any of the rallies. They?ve also put in a major amount of investment into the Star Driver programme.”

Pirelli will continue its commitment to rallying in 2011 by supporting the new WRC Academy, which replaces the Junior World Rally Championship as the first port of call for drivers aspiring to one day become world champion. Pirelli will also provide the opportunity for six young drivers, Fredrik Ahlin (Sweden), Craig Breen (Ireland), Jan Cerny (Czech Republic), Andrea Crugnola (Italy), Brendan Reeves (Australia) and Molly Taylor (Australia), to contest the series as part of the Pirelli Star Driver programme, which it has supported for the last two seasons, amid a tough economic climate, and reinforces Pirelli?s long-standing aim to unearth rallying?s future talents. The current intake of Star Drivers will be in action in Wales led by New Zealander Hayden Paddon and Estonian Ott Tänak who have impressed throughout the season. Paddon will be gunning for second place in the Production Car World Rally Championship standings, while Tänak will be bidding for his second PWRC victory of the year. Fellow Pirelli Star Drivers Nick Georgiou, Peter Horsey and Alex Raschi will continue to build their experience of competing at world level.

As well as a counting for overall WRC points, the gravel-based Rally GB is the last scoring opportunity of the season for competitors in the Production Car World Rally Championship, for two-litre turbocharged Group N cars, and the inaugural Super 2000 World Rally Championship for normally aspirated two-litre cars. Pirelli will supply its soft compound Scorpion tyres to both support championships, thereby underlining the performance and efficiency of the Italian rubber on a wide range of machinery.

Rally GB typically throws up wintry weather with rain, mud and even ice set to add to the challenge facing the crews. Pirelli will provide the soft compound version of its Scorpion gravel tyre to competitors in four-wheel drive machinery, which is designed to offer enhanced grip and stability in wet and cold conditions.

“We have to be prepared for all kinds of weather on this event, especially as it is quite late in the year, so it is classic territory for our soft compound Scorpion tyres,” said Matteo Braga, Pirelli?s senior WRC tyre engineer. “Rally GB is always a very tricky event, as the grip is inconsistent due to a number of different surface changes and the weather. If it is muddy, it will be extremely slippery and it?s possible that we?re even going to see some ice on the stages, as was the case a couple of years ago.”

Rally GB, which is based in the Welsh capital Cardiff, gets underway with an all-asphalt stage in Cardiff Bay on the evening of Thursday November 11 with the first car due to cross the finishing ramp in Cardiff at 15:25hrs on Sunday November 14 following a total of 20 stages over a competitive distance of 359.44 kilometres.

Q&A: PAUL HEMBERY (Pirelli’s Motorsport Director)

Paul, what are your feelings as Pirelli’s three-year WRC tyre supply agreement draws to a close?
PH: “I think it?s a feeling of pride more than anything else. We?re sad to be leaving, but we go with our heads held high and we?re looking forward to coming back if the regulations are right. We supported the World Rally Championship through one of the toughest periods it has ever faced economically and invested more than 11 million Euros into a young driver development scheme. I think our investment is a fair reflection of the commitment and the passion for the sport that we all share. So I certainly believe that Pirelli will be missed next year as we delivered everything that we promised.”

What do you think about the achievements of the tyres themselves?
PH: “I?m obviously biased, but I think that what we achieved over the last three years was phenomenal. However, if you talk to the drivers, teams and federations, I reckon you?ll hear the same story. We developed the tyres in six months and came up with a product that was competitive, versatile and reliable straight away. The number of punctures we experienced compared to the number of tyres we produced is negligible, and that is a direct result of the experience that runs throughout our entire team.”

What do you think that you could have done better?
PH: “Well, as I mentioned, there were 42 punctures over the three years and that?s 42 too many. Apart from that, I don?t think there?s very much that we would do differently. We?ve been able to listen to the teams and adapt to their needs by giving them a robust, affordable, consistent and competitive tyre on every surface. If you talk to Sébastien Loeb, the most successful driver in the championship, you?ll see that he?s never lost a rally or a championship because of a tyre problem. And that?s something we can be proud of too.”

Pirelli will be represented on the WRC Academy next year, which must make you very pleased?
PH: “Absolutely. From the very beginning, we always argued that what the sport needed was a low-cost, single-make formula to bring out the next real stars and I?m very pleased that we?ve finally got there. Part of our central philosophy at Pirelli is to support young drivers, and the Academy is a good example of that work in progress.”

Do you feel confident that Pirelli will be back?
PH: “Very much so. We?re not going away from rallying, because it?s my first love and actually the first love of everyone in the team. We?re obviously involved in the Academy next year, but we also remain in national rallying and the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, where we won three out of the four events that we contested this year, finishing second on the other. If a more comprehensive IRC programme presents itself next year, we?ll certainly look at it. But we?re also working on ways to get back into the WRC, and if the regulations are right we will be there – maybe sooner than people think.”

MICHAEL PARK 'BEEF' TROPHY

Posted: November 12, 2010 11:33 AM

The Michael Park 'Beef' Trophy is awarded annually in memory of Michael Park, who died in a tragic accident during Wales Rally GB in 2005, while co-driving for his long-term partner Markko Märtin.

Michael is much missed by the entire World Rally Championship (WRC) community. To perpetuate his memory a group of friends and colleagues - inspired by Vincent Laverne - commissioned the trophy.

The bronze bust was created by French artist François Chevalier and has been donated to his wife, Marie, and children, William and Victoria.

Each season a smaller replica trophy is awarded to a WRC co-driver who has best demonstrated the overall qualities associated with Michael during his career, taking into account overall performances, attitude, commitment and other specific actions or achievements.

The decision is made by a jury selected from the WRC community. In 2006 the inaugural trophy was presented to Daniel Elena from Monaco, in 2007 the trophy was awarded to Finland’s Timo Rautiainen, in 2008 to Denis Giraudet of France and in 2009 to Jarmo Lehtinen from Finland.

For 2010 the jury comprised Paul Turner (the manager of Michael Park), Robert Reid and Vincent Laverne. They had to choose between five nominated co-drivers: Phil Mills (Great Britain), Daniel Elena (Monaco), Julien Ingrassia (France), Miikka Anttila (Finland) and Alex Haro (Spain).

We are pleased to announce that in 2010, Phil Mills has been chosen as the fifth winner of the Michael Park 'Beef' Trophy.

Phil became world champion co-driver with Petter Solberg, driving for the Subaru World Rally Team, in 2003. During a career which has spanned 11 years at the highest level, Phil won 13 world rallies with Solberg, his first win fittingly coming in Wales in 2002. The world title was also secured in a dramatic finish in Wales in 2003.

Phil stepped down from competitive rallying in June 2010 after starting 152 world rallies alongside Solberg. They started competing together in 1999 in a Ford Escort World Rally Car, prepared by M-Sport, before moving to Subaru during the 2000 season.

They remained there until Subaru withdrew from the WRC at the end of 2008. During the last two seasons Phil continued to co-drive for Solberg in the Norwegian's private team, competing in a Citroen Xsara and more recently a Citroen C4 World Rally Car.

"Phil competed directly against Michael for many years and they always had a great respect for each other," said Paul Turner. "Although they were competitive on rallies, they were great mates away from the events, enjoying each other's company, particularly at shooting events for which they both had a great passion.

"It is fitting that after such an illustrious career Phil should receive this trophy and recognition back in his home event in Wales. It was the scene of his greatest highs in the sport in 2002 and 2003 and his greatest low in 2005, when Michael died during that year's event," he added.

Phil was presented with the trophy in front of the spectator stands at Wales Rally GB at the start of the Super Special Stage in Cardiff Bay this evening (Thursday), by Paul Turner.

Sainz helps M-Sport celebrate 200th world rally in Spain

Posted: October 20, 2010 6:28 PM

Two times World Rally Champion, Carlos Sainz was on hand before the start of the 2010 Rally Catalunya - Costa Daurada, to present Malcolm Wilson with a special plaque to celebrate M-Sport's 200th WRC event. Joining in the fun were George Black (extreme left) and John Millington (R) who also received plaques. Gerard Quinn helped with the presentations.

This weekend's Rally de España marks the 200th world rally since M-Sport joined Ford as its partner in the FIA World Rally Championship.

The British-based company took over the day-to-day operations of Ford's programme at the beginning of the 1997 season. Since then the team has twice won the manufacturers' world title in the toughest competition in motorsport for production-based cars.

Double world champion Carlos Sainz marked the occasion by presenting a commemorative framed montage to M-Sport managing director and BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team director Malcolm Wilson at the team's pre-rally function in Salou this evening.

Sainz drove a Ford Escort Cosworth for the team in M-Sport's debut at the 1997 Monte Carlo Rally. The Spaniard, who flew from his home in Madrid to make the presentation, claimed the first victory of the M-Sport era when he and co-driver Luis Moya won the Acropolis Rally in Greece in June 1997.

Wilson is one of just three M-Sport personnel who have attended all 200 rallies. Tyre engineer George Black and co-ordination manager John Millington are the others and Sainz also presented similar framed montages to them.

Since Ford and M-Sport joined forces, the team has won 46 world rallies with the Escort Cosworth, Escort RS Cosworth and Focus RS World Rally Cars. The highlights came in 2006 and 2007 when Marcus Grönholm / Timo Rautiainen and Mikko Hirvonen / Jarmo Lehtinen steered the team to back-to-back manufacturers' world titles.

"M-Sport's involvement dates back to the Monte Carlo Rally in January 1997 when I was a driver for the team," Sainz told Wilson. "It was my first event with M-Sport running the WRC programme for Ford and I knew then that great achievements would follow. Your determination, hard work, professionalism and your wish to always look for perfection was to guarantee you success, and I know that more success lies ahead."

Ford of Europe motorsport chief Gerard Quinn added:
"This is a real landmark achievement and I'm delighted that Carlos, who was in the driving seat at the very beginning of Ford's partnership with M-Sport, could be here tonight. We've enjoyed some great moments together and, with the introduction of the all-new Ford Fiesta RS WRC just around the corner, I'm sure there are more exciting times lying in wait."

A surprised Wilson said:
"I had no idea this was M-Sport's 200th rally. It was great to see Carlos with us again and to be surprised by his presentation. He made the presentation to me, but in reality it's to the whole company. Every single person at M-Sport, both current and previous employees, has played an important role in these 200 rallies and I would like to pass on my thanks to them all," he said.

Rally Stars Conquer Corsica by Bike

Posted: July 6, 2010 11:36 AM

FIA World Rally Championship driver Matthew Wilson and co-driver Scott Martin have completed a mammoth 985km on Trek Madone road bikes in Corsica in early June in a bid to raise money for the RPJ Crohn’s Foundation.

A break in the WRC calendar during the month of June, between Rally Portugal and Rally Bulgaria, allowed a window for the Stobart M-Sport Ford duo to take part in the Tour de Corse charity event.

The RPJ Crohn’s Foundation was set up earlier this year by Matthew’s friend, Rick Parfitt Jnr, to help raise funds to support the National Association for Colitis and Crohn’s Disease (NACC).

The rally stars completed the route around the French island of Corsica in eight days but, with the longest day consisting of 181km and the highest peak at 1477m, it was no easy feat in temperatures topping 36 degrees Celsius. Wilson also suffered from a cold in the final days but still managed to make it to the end of the gruelling charity cycle challenge.

M-Sport has also auctioned a variety of exclusive items on eBay over the past week in order to raise additional money for the RPJ Crohn's Foundation. Items included a Stobart-branded race suit signed by Matthew Wilson, and driving gloves signed by BP-Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team drivers Mikko Hirvonen and Jari-Matti Latvala. During the remainder of June, more items will be added to the auction site, including Wilson and Martin’s signed cycling gear.

Wilson and Martin would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their continued support and donations to the RPJ Crohn’s Foundation so far. Those who would still like to donate can do so by visiting the JustGiving website which will be open until the end of June - http://www.justgiving.com/tourdecorse

Matthew Wilson said:
“Everything went really smoothly – we had no punctures or major problems which is quite surprising considering there were four of us! We didn’t always stick to our schedule and when we were having a good day, we really pushed ourselves. On the final day we only had 100km left to reach the end; adrenaline kicked in and we upped our pace to finish well ahead of schedule. There was one day where we had to do a 34km climb up to 1477 metres and I’d say that was the low point and a real test of our endurance. It was so hot whilst we were cycling too - about 36 degrees Celsius every day, but we had one afternoon when it rained which was well appreciated at the time! I also caught a cold at the weekend which made the final days more difficult than I had been expecting. We enjoyed every minute of the Tour de Corse though and I really want to thank everyone for their continued donations and support for the RPJ Crohn’s Foundation.”

For more information on the challenge including route and photographs, please visit:

www.tourdecorse.co.uk

Chris Patterson to co-drive for Petter Solberg

Posted: June 29, 2010 8:29 PM

Chris Patterson is Petter Solberg's new Co-Driver

Chris started as a codriver in 1998, and has been alongside many drivers, like Nasser Al-Attiyah and Kris Meeke, for the past years. He is 5 times Middle-East Champion and won the 2006 PWRC.

Quote Petter Solberg;
"- I am very happy with Chris as my new codriver, and I am confident that our partnership will be good in the car. We did a really tough test yesterday, and Chris delivered perfectly all the time. He has a long experience as a codriver, and that was really important to me. I know it will be a challenge in Bulgaria, but we are both more than ready for the rally there and to fight in the lead."

Quote Chris Patterson;
"- It feels like a big task to be asked to replace a codriver like Phil Mills, but when the offer came from Petter after the test yesterday, I knew I just had to do it. I’ve been a codriver for 12 years, and hopefully my experience will help me now, as the first rally is coming up in a few days. I so look forward to this job, and is 110% ready for the challenge!"

The new duo starts with testing in Bulgaria this weekend, and the first rally is in Bulgaria 8. – 11. July 2010.

Petter Solberg

Ford's WRC team launches dedicated You Tube channel

Posted: June 24, 2010 11:57 AM

Fans of the BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team can now access exclusive video footage from the team via social networking site You Tube. A channel devoted specifically to Ford's FIA World Rally Championship team was launched earlier this month and offers access to a wide variety of content, much of it focused on behind-the-scenes activities.

Headline footage developed and uploaded by Ford will be located in the prime space at the top of the page, with additional material produced by the team accessible alongside. This will include specially produced preview and post-event vodcasts from each round of the WRC, which will be uploaded on the Friday morning of each rally and the Monday after each event respectively.

Mid-season and end-of-year reviews will be made available, as well as activities involving team drivers Mikko Hirvonen and Jarmo Lehtinen and team-mates Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila both on- and off-event. The page can be accessed directly at

www.youtube.com/fordwrc

The page will also provide a link to allow fans free access to the team's website at www.wrcford.com. Comprehensive news, results, photographs and information from the team can be viewed there.

"This channel is aimed at devoted rally fans, people who have a genuine passion for the sport and who will visit on a regular basis to view recently added footage," said Gerard Quinn, Ford of Europe's motorsport chief. "Our drivers and team members are involved in many activities that often remain unseen by fans. We want to make these available for everyone to view. The wider the range of content, the more enjoyable the team's You Tube channel will be for visitors.

"We recognise the increasing importance of social media channels and this outlet will allow our fans around the world to become more closely involved with the team," added Quinn.

Phil Mills to leave PSWRT

Posted: June 11, 2010 9:47 AM

From Pettersolberg.com

After 11 years as Petter Solbergs codriver, Phil Mills has decided to leave the codriver seat and concentrate on other parts of life.

Phil Mills quote:
"-This has been one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make but I feel the time has come to now concentrate on other parts of life. We have competed on 152 WRC events together over the past 11 years and it has become more of a way of life rather than a job. I have enjoyed every single kilometre through the highs and lows that came along and I am sure Petter will win many more events in the future given the right circumstances. I will miss the whole wrc scene very much and wish Petter and the team very great success in the future."

Petter Solberg quote:
"- Phil is leaving the team, and I feel really sad about it. I think it will be very difficult to find a codriver with his skills, to join me in my car again. We have been together for so many years, in fact I’ve had him by my side through most of my career, so this is a tough break up for me. Looking back on what we have achieved together, I feel especially sorry as I was sure our next win would happen this season and I was hoping to have Phil by my side when it happens. He has been the one that has meant the most for me through my career. Our relationship must have been the strongest relationship between driver and codriver ever!"

The team has not made any decision regarding a new codriver yet.

Petter Solberg

Sebastien Ogier to replace Sordo on Gravel

Posted: June 8, 2010 2:34 PM

In order to maximise its chances of retaining its titles in the FIA World Rally Championship, Citren Racing will make some changes to its nominations in the second half of the 2010 season.
Sebastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia will join the ranks of the Citroen Total World Rally Team in Finland, Japan and Great Britain. Dani Sordo and Marc Marti will play their usual role on the four asphalt rounds.

At the end of the first six rallies of the 2010 season, the results are positive for Citroen Racing: Sebastien Loeb leads the drivers’ championship with 126 points in front of Sebastien Ogier with 88 points. Citroen Racing is also first in the team’s standings, with a total of 189 points. For Citroen Racing, the goals remain the same as they have been since the start of the season: keeping both world titles. In order to help achieve this, adjustments will be made in the nominations for both Citroen Total World Rally Team and the Citroen Junior Team.

Having made an exemplary start to the start to the season, crowned by a win in Portugal, Sebastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia have been able to demonstrate both their speed and their intelligence in managing a rally.

Their consistent progress has earned them a Citroen World Rally Team nomination for the three pure gravel rallies at the end of the season: Finland, Japan and Great Britain.

On those three rallies, Dani Sordo and Marc Marti will drive for the Citroen Junior Team, which is currently third in the manufacturers’ rankings with 106 points. The Spanish crew will fulfil its usual obligations with the Citroen Total World Rally Team on the four asphalt rallies in the second half of the season: Bulgaria, Germany, France and Spain.

Having already racked up 11 podiums on this surface, they now have another opportunity to bring their valuable contribution to the conquest of another manufacturers’ championship.

“Even if we currently hold the advantage in both World Rally Championship classifications, we need to make sure that every opportunity comes our way,” said Olivier Quesnel, the director of Citroen Racing.
“The 2009 season showed just how easily a favourable situation can reverse itself. Looking at the way things have gone in the first part of the season, it seems that Sebastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia would be able to help us to achieve our objectives on gravel. But I do not want people to think that this reflects in any way badly on Dani Sordo and Marc Marti. They have had a slightly troubled start to the season and they need to get their confidence back. Driving in the Citroen Junior Team will give them the chance to compete without pressure and rediscover their form. Given the performance of our crews since the start of the season, I think that this will be the best line-up to help us meet our targets.”

Rally duo set for Corsica charity cycle challenge

Posted: May 21, 2010 9:11 AM

FIA World Rally Championship driver Matthew Wilson and co-driver Scott Martin are no strangers to the twisty roads of the picturesque island of Corsica, but instead of rallying round the island in a Ford Focus RS World Rally Car they will be using pedal power next month as they tackle the 985km Tour de Corse cycle challenge on Trek Madone 5.2 road bikes.

The young Cumbrian duo will begin their mammoth journey on 7 June in a bid to raise money for the RPJ Crohn’s Foundation.  The foundation was set up earlier this year by Matthew’s friend, Rick Parfitt Jnr, to help raise funds to support the National Association for Colitis and Crohn’s Disease (NACC).

Rick, son of the legendary Rick Parfitt of Status Quo, is a long-term sufferer of Crohn’s Disease and, after attending the charity’s launch event in London earlier this year, Wilson and Martin decided they wanted to do something to help raise money on behalf of their friend. 

While Wilson and Martin are competing in 13 rounds of this year’s World Rally Championship (WRC) on behalf of the Stobart M-Sport Ford World Rally Team the pair have still managed to fit in training for the challenging Tour de Corse between travelling the world for various rally events. A small break in the WRC calendar during the month of June, between Rally Portugal and Rally Finland, has allowed a window for the duo to take part in the charity event.

The rally stars aim to complete the route around the coast of the French island of Corsica in eight days but, with the longest day consisting of 181km and the highest peak at 1477m, it will be no easy feat in the ferocious summer heat and mountainous terrain. 

Last year the pair completed the Raid des Alpes, and in 2008 they cycled from Lands End to John O’Groats in aid of the Richard Burns Foundation and the Great North Air Ambulance. However, this year’s challenge will be the toughest yet, so in order to help them prepare for their epic journey, Wilson and Martin took part in the 81 mile Etape Caledonia Race in aid of Macmillan Cancer Care earlier this month.

Matthew Wilson said:

“Rick and I have been friends since I was 15-years-old, and after seeing him battle against Crohn’s disease I really wanted to do something to help.  Scott and I went to the launch of Rick’s RPJ Crohn’s foundation in March, which made us feel we should really do something to help fundraise for the cause. This is the first time that the Rally de France hasn’t been based in Corsica and we both love cycling so it seemed like a natural choice. We have a small break from WRC events in June so the Tour de Corse will also help keep up my fitness level between rallies. It’s going to be a massive challenge, but I’m really looking forward to it.”

Scott Martin said:

“Last year, Matt and I took part in the Raid des Alpes cycle challenge which inspired us to try another cycle tour.  I did some research into Corsica and, as the Rally de France wasn’t going to be based there this year, it would be a chance to experience the island in a new way.  The Tour de Corse is longer than last year’s challenge in the Alpes, and will take us two extra days to complete, so it will be a big challenge. It’ll be really hard because there are going to be lots of mountains too. We’ve just confirmed the exact route this week and it has involved a lot of organisation sorting out our route and hotels each night, but I think that just adds to the challenge, especially as we are doing this for charity.”

Rick Parfitt Jnr said:

"I am humbled and honoured that Matt and Scott have taken time out to do this and furthermore, to dedicate all proceeds towards my charity. The RPJ Crohns Foundation is a cause dear to my heart, and all funds raised will go towards helping hundreds and thousands of fellow sufferers and research projects, with the hope of one-day finding a cure for this disease."

For more information on the challenge including route and photographs, please visit: www.tourdecorse.co.uk

Anyone who would like to help with Matthew Wilson and Scott Martin’s plight can donate on line via the Justgiving website:  http://www.justgiving.com/tourdecorse

FORD SETS NEW WRC VICTORY RECORD AFTER LATVALA WINS IN NEW ZEALAND

Posted: May 19, 2010 12:58 PM

Ford Motor Company today became the most successful manufacturer in the history of the FIA World Rally Championship after Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila secured the company's 75th WRC victory. The duo won Rally New Zealand in their Ford Focus RS World Rally Car and moved the company to the top of the all-time win list, smashing a record that has stood since 1992.

The Finns won the demanding three-day mixed surface event by just 2.4sec, also extending Ford's record-breaking run of consecutive points finishes to 124. Ford lies just five points from the lead of the manufacturers' championship, while Latvala lies second in the drivers' standings after five rounds of the 13-rally series.

Ford's tally of 75 victories since the championship was founded in 1973 has helped the company take the manufacturers' world title in 1979, 2006 and 2007 and the drivers' world crown in 1979 and 1981.

Seventeen high profile drivers have contributed to the record effort, which began in 1973 at the 1000 Lakes Rally in Finland. They are Timo Mäkinen, Hannu Mikkola, Roger Clark, Bjorn Waldegard, Kyosti Hamalainen, Ari Vatanen, Didier Auriol, François Delecour, Miki Biasion, Gianfranco Cunico, Tommi Mäkinen, Carlos Sainz, Colin McRae, Markko Märtin, Marcus Grönholm, Mikko Hirvonen and Jari-Matti Latvala.

The most successful drivers are current BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally team lead pilot Mikko Hirvonen and fellow Finn Marcus Grönholm with 12 victories. Grönholm led Ford to the manufacturers' world title in 2006 and 2007 in a Focus RS WRC.

"This is a landmark achievement of which everyone at Ford rightly can be proud," said John Fleming, Ford of Europe Chairman and CEO. "Ford has a long and illustrious motorsport heritage, especially in rallying where our participation dates back more than 70 years. We were involved in WRC when it began in 1973 and it remains Ford's major global motorsport activity. We're there because we're competitive and we win, and when we win our customers win too, as we learn a huge amount from rallying and apply this knowledge to our road cars.

"Our participation in WRC highlights a core attribute of Ford vehicles – driving quality. The WRC is the toughest competition in motorsport for production-based cars. A record-breaking 75 wins at the sport's highest level speaks volumes about the strength, speed and reliability of both our competition cars and our road vehicles," he added.

Gerard Quinn, Ford of Europe's motorsport chief, said:
"Twenty different manufacturers have enjoyed the prestige of a WRC event victory. Ford is fortunate enough to have stood on the top step of the podium on 75 occasions. The legendary Escort, the Sierra and now the Focus, which is still winning in its 12th and final season as Ford's WRC challenger, have all contributed to a remarkable record and I hope there are many more wins to come."

Below we highlight some of Ford's most notable WRC wins and present the driver's view of the success.

1973 1000 Lakes Rally Timo Mäkinen Ford Escort RS1600

Mäkinen scored Ford's first victory in the inaugural year of the FIA World Rally Championship. The Finn, partnered by British co-driver Henry Liddon, won his home rally by 2min 09sec. Among the competitors he beat were Ulf Grönholm, father of future Ford driver Marcus, and current FIA president Jean Todt, who co-drove for Achim Warmbold.

Mäkinen said:
"As with all my victories with Ford in the 70s, this win was aided by the fact that all the various parts of the team worked well together: driver, co-driver, team chief and mechanics. The team spirit was good. This rally was long and there were fewer breaks than nowadays. There were no tactical manoeuvres, any thought of that and the rally would have been over. It wasn't an easy win, I had to fight every kilometre of the way."

1988 Tour de Corse Didier Auriol Ford Sierra RS Cosworth

Didier Auriol claimed the only WRC victory for the Sierra and his maiden world rally win on home ground in France. Aged 29, Auriol won by 3min 05sec and went onto win the island rally a further six times during his career. Auriol said: "It was my first rally with Ford and the first time I led a WRC round. I was so surprised to lead that I went off the road soon after and bent my car's rear right wheel. It could have been much worse – I was lucky. The car was physically demanding and I was so exhausted I didn't think I would be able to start the final leg. I did, but on the final stage I pulled the handbrake at a hairpin and dislocated my shoulder! The pain was terrible, but I pushed it hard against the door and the shoulder slipped back into place. I now have that car at my home in France."

1993 Rally de Portugal François Delecour Ford Escort RS Cosworth

Frenchman Delecour scored the first of his four WRC wins in Portugal, earning the new-shape Escort the first of its 10 WRC wins in RS Cosworth and World Rally Car specification. He led for virtually the entire event, overcoming a fuel leak following a secret check by rally organisers which led to a hold-up in the event as mechanics were summoned by officials from another location to carry out repairs.

Delecour said:
"It was a great moment. Up to that point I was regarded as primarily an asphalt expert and nobody expected me to win on gravel in Portugal. It changed my image from an asphalt driver to an all-rounder. It was a hard rally. I drove the famous Arganil test at about 4am and it was very dangerous because it was icy and foggy. It was such a testing stage."

1999 Safari Rally Colin McRae Ford Focus WRC

The late Colin McRae, in his first season with Ford, mastered the legendary Kenyan event – the longest, hottest and roughest round of the championship – on only the Focus WRC's third start. McRae took the lead on the second day and won by nearly eight minutes, claiming Ford's first Safari win for 22 years. McRae's winning car remains on display at M-Sport's Dovenby Hall headquarters in the UK.

Scot McRae, who first won the Safari in 1997, said after the rally:
"This win means more to me than my first Safari success. The last day was one of the most nerve-wracking ever because on the Safari you can never guarantee anything until it's over. This is a new car and a new team and that makes this very special. It was a controlled drive. You can't drive flat out and win the Safari but we found a good pace throughout and it worked well."

2006 Rally New Zealand Marcus Grönholm Ford Focus RS WRC

Grönholm won the penultimate round of the 2006 campaign to secure Ford's first manufacturers' world title since 1979. Team-mate Mikko Hirvonen finished second. Grönholm led from start to finish, winning every special stage on the opening leg to lay the platform for his success.

Grönholm said:
"It was a great feeling to win the rally and secure the world title for Ford on the same day. It wasn't such a hard rally for me because the car was perfect throughout. A one-two result was the ideal way to win the title and I remember that a lot of people stayed up all night at the team's base in the UK to watch the stage times coming in. It was a long night of celebrations afterwards!"

2007 Rally New Zealand Marcus Grönholm Ford Focus RS WRC

Grönholm claimed his second consecutive NZ victory after the closest finish in the championship's history. He won by just 0.3sec after a titanic battle over 350km – a margin which equated to 7.5 metres or less than two car lengths! He started the nerve-wracking final speed test with a lead of 0.7sec and kept his cool to claim his fifth victory of the year and his fifth in New Zealand – making him the most successful driver in the event's history.

Grönholm said:
"It was an incredible fight all weekend and the best battle in my career. There wasn't room for a single missed gearchange. I stayed calm in the rally car and that's something I learned from many years' practice of attacking. The only big stress came with choosing tyres because the conditions were inconsistent and when it's that close, one wrong tyre choice could have ruined everything," he added.

2008 Swedish Rally Jari-Matti Latvala Ford Focus RS WRC

Twenty-two-year-old Jari-Matti Latvala became the youngest winner of a world rally, eclipsing the record of fellow Finn Henri Toivonen. Latvala led for virtually the entire rally to win by 58.3sec. Focus RS WRCs completed a shut-out out of the podium places, with Mikko Hirvonen claiming second and Gig Galli taking third.

Latvala said:
"Henri Toivonen is a big hero of mine and in my dreams I wanted to beat his record, so that meant so much to me. I couldn't have dreamed I could win on only my second event in a works team. I started the rally so well and made no mistakes so I was able to control my speed, but it was only on the final day I started to realise I could do it."

M-Sport Clean Up with Muc-Off Sponsorship Deal

Posted: May 8, 2010 11:42 PM

M-Sport has confirmed a new partnership with leading motorsport cleaning brand Muc-Off.

The tie-up will see the Muc-Off logo appear on the Stobart M-Sport Ford Focus RS WRC of Matthew Wilson and Scott Martin as the duo tackle rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship across the globe, while Muc-Off products will be used to ensure the Stobart team’s cars are kept spotless on events.

It will also see prize packs of Muc-Off products awarded to the rally cars judged to be the best presented at each round of the Fiesta Sporting Trophy International, the Fiesta Sporting Trophy UK and the Fiesta Sporting Trophy Ireland.

Muc-Off motorsport cleaning products have already been used extensively by teams at the top levels of circuit racing, mountain-biking and motorcycling - and both M-Sport and Muc-Off are keen to use the new partnership at the premier level of rallying to develop the range in conjunction by drawing on the experience of both companies.

The eye-catching black, white and bright pink Muc-Off logo will be visible on Matthew Wilson’s M-Sport-run Ford Focus RS WRC as he takes on the challenge of Rally New Zealand on May 7-9.

More information on Muc-Off Motorsport Cleaning products is available at www.muc-off.com/motorsport/

Andrew Wheatley, M-Sport Business Development Manager said:
“M-Sport is delighted to welcome another exciting brand like Muc-Off to our valued group of partners. Muc-Off is a natural fit with our team as the cars constantly have to be cleaned after every stage, so there are huge benefits for us to have products that make that job easier and leave them looking brand new. We are looking forward to working closely with them to ensure Muc-Off benefits from its involvement in rallying from both a product development and promotional point of view.”

Wayne Mathurin, Managing Director of Muc-Off Motorsport Cleaning distributor SWAT Ltd said:
“We are really excited about this partnership. We already have experience of working in grand prix car and motorcycle racing, but it will be great for us to be associated with a fantastically professional company like M-Sport and the high-profile Stobart M-Sport Ford Rally Team in the World Rally Championship. I have no doubt it will cement our position as the number one cleaning product brand in motorsport.”

Stobart Group and Monster Energy Team Up For 2010 World Rally Championship Assault

Posted: January 26, 2010 12:07 PM

The Ford Focus RS World Rally Cars of Stobart M-Sport Ford and the Monster Energy World Rally Team will carry each other's branding as part of a reciprocal deal between the two WRC outfits in 2010.

Matthew Wilson and Ken Block's WRC cars will both feature the logos of the famous UK-based logistics company Stobart and the hugely-popular Monster Energy drink as they compete at the highest level of rallying around the globe.

The eye-catching new livery of Wilson's Stobart-backed Focus will make its first appearance at the opening round of the WRC season Rally Sweden. Stobart Motorsport has a history of producing classic livery designs and the latest version is expected to be one of the most popular yet.

Block's new Monster Energy World Rally Team Focus will debut at the following event in the championship calendar, Corona Rally Mexico, with a unique customised livery sure to be a hit with both fans and photographers.

Stobart Group CEO Andrew Tinkler said:
"It's fantastic to be involved with the WRC again this year and to be working closely with M-Sport. The branding agreement with the Monster Team will ensure an even greater level of global brand exposure for Stobart; especially in a market such as the USA where there's a lot of potential for our brand, and business, to grow."

Ken Block said:
"This co-branding is a great opportunity for both teams to really make the best out of 2010. I am just looking forward to unveil the Monster World Rally Team livery at Rally Mexico, and wish the Stobart team the best this weekend in Sweden."

Follow the Stobart team updates on Twitter at

www.twitter.com/stobartwrc

BP Ford Abu Dhabi joins forces with Finnish brand Icepeak

Posted: January 26, 2010 12:06 PM

BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team has signed a two-year contract with Icepeak, a branch of the Finnish clothing giant L-Fashion Group. Icepeak, one of the largest sports clothing brands in Europe, will supply Finnish rally stars Mikko Hirvonen and Jari-Matti Latvala and the entire BP Ford Abu Dhabi team with high quality, outdoor sports clothing for the squad's FIA World Rally Championship campaign.

M-Sport, the team which operates Ford's WRC programme, has worked closely with designers from Ford of Europe and Icepeak to develop a dynamic clothing range that reflects Ford's Kinetic design – the principle behind all the Blue Oval's road vehicles. Motorsport Blue, a new vibrant colour for 2010, has been chosen to best represent the team as it competes throughout the world in the 13-round series.

Icepeak, which counts Finland and Germany among its major markets, will provide the team with a complete range of latest technology clothing specifically designed to meet the varied needs of the BP Ford Abu Dhabi team. Mobile phone pockets, audio cord holes in collars, 3-in-1 capability, breathable fabrics and waterproof zips and fastenings are all incorporated into items to assist team members as they work in extreme weather conditions that vary from the frozen Scandinavian winter in Sweden to the blistering heat of Jordan.

"We're delighted to welcome Icepeak to the BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team,"
said Gerard Quinn, Ford of Europe's motorsport boss.
"Icepeak has a long-established name in high-end lifestyle clothing and we're pleased it has decided to become part of our team and supply our teamwear for the next two seasons in WRC. Icepeak has worked closely with Ford Design and M-Sport to create a look that reflects the team brand and Ford's own design cues. We're impressed with the quality of the clothing which includes practical fabrics for varied and diverse rally environments."

Icepeak was established only 11 years ago but is already one of the biggest sports clothing brands in Europe. It offers sports clothing for sports shops and department stores in bold colours and young-minded design. Its clothing is inspired by global trends and young people’s lifestyle and focuses on young adults who like sport, want to dress in up-to-date clothing and simply enjoy life.

The co-operation, announced at a press conference in Finland today, enhances Icepeak’s business opportunities into motorsports, which is a totally new area to the brand.

"The co-operation with the BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team is a great experience in itself, but it also expands Icepeak's visibility to an entirely new audience," said Helena Metsäluoto, who takes care of this project within L-Fashion Group’s Corporate Customer Division.

"Visibility in connection with international, dynamic rally sport all around Europe is very suitable for Icepeak's young and sporty brand image and supports the strong growth in sales of the Icepeak collections. Finnish drivers and co-drivers wearing Finnish clothing – it's a perfect match," she added.

Kimi Räikkönen gets behind the wheel of the CITROËN C4 WRC

Posted: January 15, 2010 12:48 PM

Kimi Räikkönen got his first taste of the Citroën C4 WRC on Tuesday, at a private gravel test track close to the team’s Satory workshops. This initial shakedown allowed the Finn to start getting used to the car that he will drive on the 2010 FIA World Rally Championship.

With only a few weeks left before this year’s World Rally Championship season gets underway in Sweden on 12 February, Kimi Räikkönen has already started his preparations in earnest. The 2007 Formula 1 World Champion came to Versailles on Tuesday to see Citroën Racing’s facilities for himself.

The Finn was then able to drive the Citroën C4 WRC on a gravel test track within the Satory complex.

Having covered around 50 kilometres, the latest Citroën Junior Team driver appreciated the chance to familiarise himself with his new car.
« I very much enjoyed meeting the team properly for the first time » he said.
« It was good to try out a few different things; I was very interested to see how the car reacted when you changed some of the settings. Now, I’m really keen to get back behind the wheel of the C4 again! »

Kimi Räikkönen’s first competitive outing will be on 28 January. In order to prepare for the forthcoming Swedish Rally, the Finn is scheduled to compete on the Arctic Lapland Rally in a Citroën C4 WRC.

S-WRC Drivers Championship Entries

Posted: January 15, 2010 10:50 AM

DRIVER	ENTRANT	SWE	MEX	JOR	NZL	PRT	FIN	DEU	JPN	FRA	GBR
Nasser AL-ATTIYAH	Nasser AL-ATTIYAH		x	x	x	x	x		x		x
Michal KOSCIUSZKO	Michal KOSCIUSZKO		x	x		x	x	x		x	x
Janne TUOHINO	Janne TUOHINO	x		x	x	x	x	x			x
Eyvind BRYNILDSEN	Eyvind BRYNILDSEN	x	x	x		x		x		x	x
Martin PROKOP	Martin PROKOP	x	x		x		x	x		x	x
Bernardo Rodrigues Tomas SOUSA	Bernardo Rodrigues Tomas SOUSA	x		x		x		x	x	x	x
Xevi PONS	Nupel Global Racing		x	x	x	x		x		x	x
Patrik SANDELL	Red Bull Rally Team	x		x	x		x	x		x	x
Total	8	5	5	7	5	6	5	7	2	6	8

The FIA may consider registrations until 9 April 2010, subject to agreement and availability.

STOBART M-SPORT FORD RALLY TEAM ENTER MANUFACTURER TEAM

Posted: January 15, 2010 10:48 AM

Stobart have entered 2 cars for this years Manufacturers Championship.
No Drivers have been confirmed.

The final registration date for WRC Teams to contest the FIA World Rally Championship for Manufacturers is 16 March 2010.

Petter Solberg to Drive 2009 Spec Citroën C4 WRC

Posted: January 12, 2010 3:46 PM

Petter Solberg will drive a Citroën C4 WRC, 2009 spec, in 2010. Two rally-cars are bought from Citroën Racing, and Petter will use both cars in the 2010 championship.

Petter wrote on his Website: "After several, and tough, discussions with Citroën Racing, we have now come to an agreement, which enables me to really fight in top, says Petter Solberg. – We hope to have the full budget in place at the end of next week, and hope to present the 2010 Petter Solberg World Rally Team and sponsors just after."

Petter Solberg

2010 WRC Entries - Manufactures/P-WRC/J-WRC/S-WRC Teams

Posted: January 10, 2010 12:13 PM

FIA WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP FOR MANUFACTURERS
LIST OF ENTRANTS

ENTRANT
CITROËN TOTAL WORLD RALLY TEAM Sébastien LOEB (F)
CITROËN TOTAL WORLD RALLY TEAM TBA
BP FORD ABU DHABI WORLD RALLY TEAM Mikko HIRVONEN (FIN)
BP FORD ABU DHABI WORLD RALLY TEAM TBA
CITROEN JUNIOR TEAM Sébastien OGIER (F)
CITROEN JUNIOR TEAM Kimi RAIKKONEN (FIN)


The final registration date for WRC Teams to contest the FIA World Rally Championship for Manufacturers is 16 March 2010.

---

FIA Junior World Rally Championship (J-WRC)

Driver	Entrant	Team name	TUR	PRT	BGR	DEU	FRA	ESP
	Egoi Eder Valdes Lopez			X	X	X	X	X
Loïc Mattei	Loïc Mattei	Loïc Mattei	X	X	X	X	X
Todor Slavov	Todor Slavov		X		X	X	X	X
	Team Sab Motorsport		X	X	X		X	X
Total	4		3	3	4	3	4	3

The FIA may consider registrations until 30 April 2010, subject to agreement and availability

---

FIA Production Car World Rally Championship (P-WRC)

Driver	Entrant	SWE	MEX	JOR	NZL	FIN	DEU	JPN	FRA	GBR
Toshi Arai	Subaru Team Arai		x		x		x	x	x	x
Gabor Mayer	Gaboko Hungary ASE		x	x	x	x		x		x
Nicholai Georgiou	Pirelli Star Driver					x	x		x	x
Peter Horsey	Pirelli Star Driver					x	x		x	x
Hayden Paddon	Pirelli Star Driver					x	x		x	x
Alex Raschi	Pirelli Star Driver					x	x		x	x
Ott Tanak	Pirelli Star Driver					x	x		x	x
Armindo Araujo	Ralliart Italy	x	x	x			x		x	x
	Czech National Team	x		x	x	x	x			x
Gianluca Linari	Gianluca Linari	x	x	x	x			x	x
Fabio Frisiero	Hawk Racing Club s.r.l.	x	x		x	x			x	x
Total	11	4	5	4	5	8	8	3	9	10

The FIA may consider registrations until 9 April 2010, subject to agreement and availability.

---

FIA WRC Cup For S2000 Teams (S-WRC)

ENTRANT	SWE	MEX	JOR	NZL	PRT	FIN	DEU	JPN	FRA	GBR
BARWA WORLD RALLY TEAM		x	x	x	x	x		x		x
DYNAMIC WORLD RALLY TEAM		x	x		x	x	x		x	x
SKODA - RENE GEORGES RALLY SPORT	x	x	x		x		x		x	x
JANPRO	x		x	x	x	x	x			x
CZECH FORD NATIONAL TEAM	x	x		x		x	x		x	x
RED BULL RALLY TEAM	x		x	x		x	x		x	x
TOTAL	4	4	5	4	4	5	5	1	4	6

The FIA may consider registrations until 9 April 2010, subject to agreement and availability.

Introducing the Monster World Rally Team—Ken Block goes global in a Ford.

Posted: January 7, 2010 11:52 AM

Ken Block is off to race in the FIA 2010 World Rally Championship as part of the newly formed Monster World Rally Team. Block will continue to compete in the Rally America national series, as well as in X-Games XVI. And he’s doing it all in a Ford!

Block’s entry into the WRC is history in the making. He will be the first American to campaign the world stages as part of a multi-year program. In 2010, Block will compete in select rounds of the championship with an emphasis on developing his ability for a successful future in the WRC. “Racing in the World Rally Championship has always been a dream of mine but I’d still be dreaming if I promised podiums in the near future,” says Block. “I will be going head-to- head with the greatest drivers on the planet. And sure, I will be giving it my all but my main objective for 2010 is to develop into a competitive driver for 2011 and beyond.”

The Monster World Rally Team developed as a result of Ken Block’s relationship with the energy drink company. “A radically extreme form of motorsport with supremely talented drivers who compete on gravel, asphalt, snow and ice really mirrors everything we are about,” says Monster Energy President Mark Hall. “For that reason Monster Energy is pleased to join Ken Block in the formation of the Monster Energy World Rally Team. Not only is Ken a cult hero to our consumers through his gymkhana videos and other stunts, the fact that he will be the first American racer to compete in the 38-year history of the World Rally Championship is truly impressive. Factoring in that Ken will be chasing the 2010 Rally America Championship Series, a Gold Medal at X Games XVI while continuing to scheme-up new videos and mind-altering stunts, Monster couldn't have a finer ambassador in our new venture into rally.”

In a partnership with Monster Energy, the team is also bolstered by Ford—a brand Block feels at home in. “I am stoked to be rallying in a Ford,” says Block. “They are an impressive force in the sport. From the days of the 1970s Escorts to the Group B RS200, to the modern-day Focus and now the Fiesta, Ford has an excellent history within rally. I couldn’t be happier to be part of this amazing heritage. Not to mention my dad would be proud. He was a true Ford guy.”

For the WRC, Block will be racing in a Focus RS prepared by M-Sport, the company responsible for handling all of Ford’s World Rally efforts. M-Sport’s Managing Director, Malcolm Wilson, who played a large role in ushering Block into the WRC, had this to say: “It is great news that Ken will be joining the WRC and even better that it will be with Ford! Ken has been instrumental in elevating the public awareness of rallying throughout the world with his multimedia exploits, particularly in the U.S. which is a key global market and an area where WRC has yet to reach its full potential. Ken’s appearance in the WRC and his desire to compete toe-to-toe at the highest level is indicative of the determination and drive that he has exhibited in all areas of his life to date—be it in business or personal targets. Ken is a colorful character with a huge international fan base and his decision to appear in the WRC is warmly welcomed.”

In the United States, Ken will be racing both the Rally America Championship and X Games in the all-new Ford Fiesta, prepared by Olsbergs MSE. “We are excited to partner with Ken as we launch the Ford Fiesta in the United States in 2010 and showcase the Fiesta’s performance and fun-to-drive capabilities,” says Jamie Allison, Director of Ford North America Motorsports. “Rally racing has always played a key role in the global motorsports strategy for Ford Motor Company.”

In addition, the skateboard footwear company Block co-founded, DC Shoes, will also support the team, along with the popular video game title, Dirt2, in which Block had a starring role. Castrol Edge is providing support for the team as well.

More news about the team and a detailed schedule of races and events will be available soon at monsterworldrallyteam.com. For now, head on over to the site for an interactive version of this press release and the premiere of the Monster World Rally Team Launch commercial.

Monster World Rally Team (Ken Block)

FORD TEAMS UP WITH RALLY CAR DRIVER KEN BLOCK FOR GLOBAL MOTORSPORTS

Posted: January 7, 2010 11:47 AM

Ford Motor Company announced today that it is teaming up with Ken Block, the California-based action sports icon-turned-rally driver, for future global motorsports opportunities.

Block, the 2005 Rally America Rookie of the Year and a three-time medalist at X Games, has cultivated a tremendous following with his Gymkhana videos on YouTube. In 2010, Block will campaign a Ford Focus in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) and a Ford Fiesta in Rally America and X Games.

“I am stoked to be rallying in a Ford. They are an impressive force in the sport,” said Ken Block. “From the days of the 1970s Escorts to the Group B RS200 to the modern-day Focus and now the Fiesta, Ford just does an excellent job at rally and I couldn’t be happier to now be part of this amazing heritage. Not to mention my dad would be proud. He was a dedicated Ford guy.”

“Ken Block has established himself as an action sports competitor and a rising star in the world of American rally racing,” said Jamie Allison, director Ford North America Motorsports. “We are excited to have him on our team to help promote our new global products, the 2011 Ford Fiesta and 2012 Ford Focus.”

Rallying is a crucial part of Ford’s global motorsports strategy and provides the company with the opportunity to showcase the true performance capabilities of Ford’s products. Since its support of rallying began, Ford has won three WRC titles and 73 individual events. And, last year in North America, Ford's participation in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and X Games 15 were key elements for the launch of the Ford Fiesta for the U.S.

“Thanks to our participation in WRC, rallying has always played a key role in Ford’s global motorsports programs,” said Allison. “Ford is the only manufacturer that could provide Ken with global rally opportunities.”

“We’re delighted that Ken Block has chosen to team up with Ford to develop his rallying activities beyond America and into the global arena,” said Gerard Quinn, Ford of Europe’s senior motorsports manager. “Ford and its U.K.-based rally partner, M-Sport, is looking forward to welcoming Ken to the wider team of talented rally drivers using Ford vehicles to compete in this demanding sport at the highest level internationally.”

Dual FSTi and J-WRC championship opportunity for Ford Fiesta R2

Posted: December 18, 2009 12:37 PM

The Fiesta SportTrophy International (FSTi) will return to the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) for its fifth successive year in April 2010 and will again be supported by Pirelli. The great news is that drivers under the age of 28 years will be able to register for the Junior WRC (J-WRC) in addition to FSTi and will be eligible to score points towards the J-WRC, the Rookie Trophy and FSTi.

The FST concept was previously based around the GpN Ford Fiesta ST and, whilst this will remain eligible for FSTi, the primary championship contender will be the Ford Fiesta R2. With a five-speed sequential gearbox, the Ford Fiesta R2 is based on the Ford Fiesta Sport using the 1.6L Ti-Vct 120PS (1598cc) base engine as in regular production. It is built from a standard conversion kit developed by M-Sport and has won its class on both the WRC events that it has entered to date.

Ford Fiesta SportTrophy International
M-Sport established the one-make FSTi championship in 2006 and, while the general concept remains the same, the improvements made in 2009 to the incentive package and scoring system are carried over into 2010.

The prize for the championship winner will be an all-expenses-paid test in the newly developed Ford Fiesta S2000 with BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team driver and 2009 world championship runner-up Mikko Hirvonen, with the chance to discuss the test with the flying Finn and M-Sport Managing Director Malcolm Wilson OBE. A prize fund is also available from which the winner of each rally will receive a €1,500 M-Sport voucher.

There is also the chance for those who do not achieve championship glory but who have entered at least five events to test the Ford Fiesta S2000. As in previous years, the series winner plus one ‘wildcard’ will be put forward to the FST International Shootout to compete against drivers from other FST championships around the world in order to win a year’s residential contract to work at M-Sport with the BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team.

Of the seven counting rounds, the best points from five rounds will count towards the championship standings. This will allow those drivers who have completed the full season to drop any low scores, but will also assist those drivers who are only able to compete on an event-by-event basis to score highly overall if they achieve good results on an occasional basis.

The 2009 scoring system will continue into 2010: one point will be awarded for every stage win in order to reward outright pace and, with between 16 and 24 stages per rally, these will be points worth fighting for. A win will still be given maximum credit and points will be offered 30-25-22-20-18-16-14-12-11-10 for first to tenth position.

Junior World Rally Championship
Alongside FSTi, the FIA Junior World Rally Championship (J-WRC) is a cost-effective and highly competitive support series within the WRC in which drivers up to the age of 28 have the opportunity to display their talent in front of the manufacturer teams and a global television audience. The criteria for the J-WRC Rookie Trophy has been simplified and any driver entering in an R2 car is now eligible. This means that a driver wishing to enter both FSTi and the J-WRC may do so with the added benefits of Priority 3 seeding, inclusion in the extensive J-WRC media package, an additional 40m2 service area, as well as the chance to score points for both championships.

The J-WRC benefits from a dedicated media service, which provides reports and information to event organizers, team managers, senior FIA and International Sportsworld Communications (ISC) personnel and a global media database containing in excess of 4,000 journalists.

A highlights programme devoted to the J-WRC is produced and distributed around the world. In 2008, the daily news bulletins and Rally World reports were aired by 51 channels in 214 territories.*

Two J-WRC drivers are also invited to attend the official pre-event FIA Press Conference, putting them directly in contact with the world’s rally media.

FSTi and J-WRC Packages
As part of a support package offered by championship promoter ISC, the FSTi and J-WRC teams can enjoy a dedicated service area within the WRC Service Park. The hub is a communications centre, which gives computer access to the WRC tracking system and live results – to which all FSTi cars are linked. A hospitality unit provides food and refreshments for all drivers, co-drivers, mechanics and sponsors during each day of a rally and the quality of the meals makes it a favourite dining venue for members of the FIA, media and other VIPs.

M-Sport works closely with ISC, which has put together a benefits package for FSTi based on the successful J-WRC and P-WRC model that includes the following services:

§ Payment of event entry fees
§ Split times on all stages and tracking service for FSTi registered competitors
§ Set-up of a dedicated service area for FSTi competitors with utilities including electricity and water
§ Tented service area, approx 60m2
§ Catering for 7 people per entry in the FSTi hospitality area
§ 7 Event passes
§ Physio and medical support from a first aid unit in the service park
§ A dedicated media service including copyright free photography
§ Services and support of the FSTi Co-ordinator
§ Technical assistance from an M-Sport technician § Pre- and on-event parts supply

The cost for the ISC package is €4,500 payable
approximately six weeks prior to each event plus €300**
Registration Fee payable to M-Sport, which includes an invitation for driver and co-driver to the Ford WRC Happy Hour to meet Ford drivers and management, as well as international media representatives.

For those drivers wishing to upgrade to the J-WRC, a one-off Registration Fee of €1,390 is payable to the FIA at the start of the season plus the FSTi Registration Fee of €300** per event. The ISC service package is available for the cost of €6,250 per event and includes the FSTi benefits package listed above plus:

§ Inclusion in the J-WRC media and TV package
§ Priority 3 seeding
§ Tented service area, approx 100m2

Malcolm Wilson OBE, M-Sport Managing Director said:
“The FSTi championship is entering into its fifth year now and the standard of driving seems to get higher and higher as the years go by. I think this was well illustrated last year by the level of competition led by Craig Breen, who gathered an astounding six titles to his name in 2009 – his FSTi rivals certainly didn’t make it easy for him! The new Fiesta R2 was tested on WRC events in Spain and Great Britain this year – winning its class on both occasions – so I personally look forward to seeing its performance in the hands of the right driver for a full WRC championship campaign.”

*Latest available figures
**FSTi Registration Fee = €300 per event or €1,800 for seven events

Fiesta SportTrophy International (FSTi)

Martin Prokop to drive the all-new Ford Fiesta S2000

Posted: December 13, 2009 12:43 PM

Newly-crowned Junior World Rally Champion Martin Prokop will drive the all-new Ford Fiesta S2000 next season in the first year of a long-term plan with Ford's rally machinery. The 27-year-old Czech will tackle seven rounds of the new FIA WRC Cup and S-WRC*, beginning with the opening rally in Sweden in February.

Prokop and co-driver Jan Tománek plan to use next season as a platform from which to step up to the primary WRC in 2011.

Prokop's Jipocar Racing team will prepare and maintain the Fiesta S2000 from its base in Jihlava, Czech Republic. There will be little time for Prokop to acclimatise himself to his new car as the team will receive the Fiesta S2000 just a couple of weeks before Rally Sweden (11 - 14 February).

"I decided to drive the Fiesta S2000 because it is a great, beautifully built car," said Prokop. "I like the way Ford organises its WRC campaign, as well as the fact it knows how to present its successes and effectively support its customer teams."

Prokop could become the first graduate of Ford's recently-completed ladder of opportunity, designed to take talented young drivers from the sport's grass roots to rallying's top tier.

"Ford has a clear vision of helping young drivers to climb the rallying ladder. It will be possible to convert a Fiesta S2000 to a new specification WRC car for 2011, which is ideal for me. I want to go ever-further as a rally driver, therefore I find this possibility of a smooth transition to WRC very appealing," he added.

"We are delighted to have the current Junior World Rally Champion in one of our cars," said M-Sport managing director Malcolm Wilson, whose company developed the Fiesta S2000 and is Ford's senior partner in international rallying.

"I'm pleased Martin has made the commitment to take the S2000 route in his career as it is the next step up from a J-WRC car. We're looking forward to working with him and giving him as much technical support as possible. We have had great interest in the Fiesta S2000 already and the S-WRC is looking to be an exciting championship for all the drivers involved next year," added Wilson.

Ford of Europe's senior motorsport manager Gerard Quinn welcomed Prokop to Ford's rally family. "I'm delighted that Martin has chosen a Fiesta S2000 for 2010. He has seen the opportunities available to talented young drivers via Ford's ladder of opportunity and I look forward to seeing him as a front-running challenger in the S-WRC next season," he said.

In addition to the S-WRC, Prokop and Tománek could tackle some rounds of the Czech Rally Championship in their Fiesta S2000. Under consideration are high-profile events like the Bohemia Rally and the Barum Rally.

Prokop isn't shy in sharing his ambitions for the season. "It won't be about collecting experience. We have driven enough world rallies to have higher ambitions. The crucial point for us is to learn quickly how to work with the new car. If we manage that, I'm sure we will be able to maintain our level from 2009 in S2000 next year. And this means fighting for the podium in each rally." he said.

Citroën Racing and Red Bull give wings to Kimi Räikkönen in 2010

Posted: December 4, 2009 7:12 PM

Since its establishment in 2008, the association between Citroën Racing and Red Bull has already reaped world titles for Citroën, Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena in 2008 and 2009*, and the ties between the two companies are to be stepped up for next season. In addition to the Citroën Total World Rally Team-entered C4 WRCs of Sébastien Loeb and Dani Sordo, a second team will also now run two C4 WRCs for Kimi Räikkönen and Sébastien Ogier in the colours of Red Bull and Citroën.

The collaboration between Citroën and Red Bull, which dates back to the 2008 Rally Argentina (won by Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena) and which has since harvested 15 other wins, is to be reinforced in 2010. As in 2008 and 2009, the two Citroën Total World Rally Team-run C4 WRCs will both sport the livery of the famous energy drink, and the defending World Champions have renewed their faith in Sébastien Loeb/Daniel Elena and Dani Sordo/Marc Marti.

The deal will be extended in 2010 to include the two Citroën Junior Team cars that will compete in Red Bull's colours on 12 of the 2010 FIA World Rally Championship's 13 rounds, the exception being the Rally of New Zealand. These two Citroën C4 WRCs will be campaigned by Kimi Räikkönen/Kaj Lindström and Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia.

Finland's Kimi Räikkönen, 30, who has won 18 Formula 1 Grands Prix, claimed the Formula 1 world crown in 2007, and contested several rallies in 2009 - including his home round of the WRC - said: “I always wanted to compete in rally, especially in the World Rally Championship at some point in my career. Thanks to Red Bull, I have the opportunity to drive the best car of the series with the Citroën C4. This is a new but very exciting challenge. For the moment we have a one-year contract and we will see how it goes for the future. I am really looking forward to testing the car and taking the start of the first rally.”

Citroën Racing Director, Olivier Quesnel added: "Red Bull's commitment and energy are a perfect fit for Citroën's ongoing thirst for victory. We will continue to count on Sébastien and Dani to defend our world titles in 2010, and we will also be prolonging our association with Sébastien Ogier who showed outstanding potential this year. Last but not least, it is with immense joy that we welcome Kimi Räikkönen to our ranks. We are very proud that he has chosen Citroën. In addition to the confirmation of these four crews, we will hopefully be able to announce other programmes over the coming weeks."

Championship Rounds

Posted: December 4, 2009 11:32 AM

1. Sweden (P,T) - 10-14 Feb 10
2. Mexico (P,T) - 3-7 Mar 10
3. Jordan (P,T) - 31 Mar-4 Apr 10
4. Turkey (J) - 14-18 Apr 10
5. New Zealand (P,T) - 5-9 May 10
6. Portugal (J,T) - 26-30 May 10
7. Bulgaria (J) - 7-10 July 10
8. Finland (P,T) - 28 Jul-1 Aug 10
9. Germany (P,J,T) - 18-22 Aug 10
10. Japan (P,T) - 8-12 Sep 10
11. France (P,J,T) - 29 Sep-3 Oct 10
12. Spain (J) - 20-24 Oct 10
13. Great Britain (P,T) - 10-14 Nov 10

P – Production Championship
T - FIA WRC Cup for S2000 Teams
J – Junior Championship

www.wrc.com