Diary

The family business with a rich history in rallying

By Attracta Mooney

Ford might be best known as a maker of family cars, but the family business also likes to dip its toes, or wheels if you will, in more exciting motoring activities, like the FIA World Rally Championship.

It confirmed this week that it will continue taking part in the event in 2012 and 2013, working with long-term partner M-Sport – which operates its rally activities.

The carmaker, which uses a high-tech version of its Fiesta road car as its flagship rally vehicle, has an impressive record when it comes to the WRC – with 79 world rally victories under its belt, it’s second on the all-time wins list.

There are also big plans to add some more titles, according to Stephen Odell, Ford of Europe’s chairman and chief executive. “Ford has a rich history in world rallying and we’re excited to continue fighting for titles on the world stage with our great partners at M-Sport,” he said.

And for anyone who thinks rallying is just a simple case of driving, Gerard Quinn, the company’s senior manager for motorsport in Europe, had some stern words. “The WRC is motorsport’s toughest competition for production-based cars,” he said. 

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