With the momentum behind M-Sport, could there be further good news on the horizon?
So, Ford is coming back to the World Rally Championship. It must be. Social media says so. But is it? Is it really?
Dave Pericak’s presence at the season-opening Monte Carlo Rally was significant. He’s Ford’s global head of performance. Henry Ford III visiting M-Sport at Dovenby Hall last autumn was significant. He’s… he’s Henry Ford the third.
On paper, everything seems to be moving towards a Ford return.
Certainly, on the back of Sebastien Ogier’s debut win in a Ford Fiesta WRC, Pericak’s words were strong.
“This is my first time to attend a WRC rally and it has been amazing,” Pericak said. “I know it’s not overtly that way [a factory programme], but we work closely with Malcolm and M-Sport. We give technical expertise and whatnot to make sure the cars are the best that they can be, and that they can run.
“I know a lot of people want to see this big banner that says ‘Ford is back in’. But, to be honest, I don’t think Ford ever got out. We’ve been helping him along, we’ve got a great relationship with him and so we’re a part of it.
“What are people looking for? We’re helping them. We’ve got a long-term relationship with M-Sport, and how many national-spec Fiestas has he built too?
This story is from the February 08,2017 edition of Motorsport News.
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This story is from the February 08,2017 edition of Motorsport News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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