News
Ford marks official return to WRC in 2018
T
THE Ford name is making a return to the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) in the upcoming season after previously pulling out in 2012. Following the success of the M-Sport World Rally Team securing both the drivers and manufacturing championships last year, the blue oval has officially announced entry into WRC and promised further support for the team. For 2018, the team will be rebranded to the M-Sport Ford World Rally Team.
This deal was in part required to secure the services of the current world champion, Sebastian Ogier.
Prior to the 2018, Ford has previously partnered up with M-Sport for their WRC involvement from 1997 to until the end of the 2012 season. Together, they managed to take 52 wins and two manufacturer world championships. However, it was not only in 2012 did Ford first pulled out of the sport. They also stepped out of the scene back in 1980 after winning the 1979 season, and only returned in 1986 with the RS200.
In the 2018 season, the M-Sport Ford team will once again be continuing development and use of the Fiesta World Rally Car.