M-Sport Ford World Rally Teams

[Fast Eddie WRC]

To be fair Ford has been faithful to rallying too, even if providing less support than than it used to give.

The likes of rally legends Lancia, Citroen and Subaru are all long gone so you couldn't blame Ford for going too.

[Jarek Z]

Yes, if you look at the seventies, eighties, nineties and up till now - Ford has always been present in rallying in some way. You can't say the same about Lancia, Citroen, Peugeot, Subaru...

[Jarek Z]

"More Than Machine", the documentary series following M-Sport Ford’s season in WRC, earned a ‘Highly Commended’ accolade in the Best Documentary category at The Race Media Awards:
https://www.wrc.com/a/news/w29193_Mo...e-Media-Awards

[deephouse]

I'm aware of that, they are/were the most faithful brand in the series. But choosing to leave right now when the series could reconstruct again is just sad. Very sad. And angry that WEC keep getting them. But here, no matter what those up there do, nobody care. I personaly never like this prototype ugly no road revelance cars racing for hours. It's boring and not exciting for me. I tried it and fall asleep soon. So not for me. Also don't get why brands keep signing there, if the field have huge numbers. How those could even get good results if there is too much competition. Rally is the only sport in the world, which can race on any kind of road, in any kind of weather at any time through season. Practicaly have everything that all other series have, and also many more features added up. When in F1 it's 30 degrees or some light rain drops fall, they immediately cry and it's too hard to race for comparision. I just suggest that Malcolm could change brand, since Ford are really not making them easier for their business. Things change and also prodrive didn't stick to only Subarus through their era of rallying.

[macebig]

WEC is very cheap to enter in LMDh form at least. Chassis are off the shelf, hybrid system is a common part and you can use any engine you want thanks to BoP. BMW uses an old DTM unit that is essentially 30 yo technology. Hyundai will use 2 WRC engines sticked together. Ford may well opt for the old reliable 2.0L Duratec WRC engine that has produced over 600hp in RX and Hill climbing events. That's the advantage WEC has now. Barrier of entry is very low. Spaceframe kinda does the same in WRC, but having to produce a 1.6T engine limits options.

[AndyRAC]

I'm aware of that, they are/were the most faithful brand in the series. But choosing to leave right now when the series could reconstruct again is just sad. Very sad. And angry that WEC keep getting them. But here, no matter what those up there do, nobody care. I personaly never like this prototype ugly no road revelance cars racing for hours. It's boring and not exciting for me. I tried it and fall asleep soon. So not for me. Also don't get why brands keep signing there, if the field have huge numbers. How those could even get good results if there is too much competition. Rally is the only sport in the world, which can race on any kind of road, in any kind of weather at any time through season. Practicaly have everything that all other series have, and also many more features added up. When in F1 it's 30 degrees or some light rain drops fall, they immediately cry and it's too hard to race for comparision. I just suggest that Malcolm could change brand, since Ford are really not making them easier for their business. Things change and also prodrive didn't stick to only Subarus through their era of rallying.

You just have no understanding of Endurance racing.......And it has always been more road relevant than rallying; that's the very heart of what the ACO want for their series....

To be frank, you sound like the classic WRC fan with a chip on their shoulder because other series are better run, and are more successful.

[Backa]

Everytime there are news about Toyota, Hyundai and Ford doing something non-WRC related in motorsport, people starts writing black scenarios. It's kinda funny.

If costs of having WRC programme decrease with new regulations while marketing benefits remain on similar level, brands will most probably remain, no matter if they are racing in F1, WEC, are title sponsors of golf tournaments or whatever.

[Mary Mary]

You just have no understanding of Endurance racing.......And it has always been more road relevant than rallying; that's the very heart of what the ACO want for their series...

Really? In what way?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Everytime there are news about Toyota, Hyundai and Ford doing something non-WRC related in motorsport, people starts writing black scenarios. It's kinda funny.

If costs of having WRC programme decrease with new regulations while marketing benefits remain on similar level, brands will most probably remain, no matter if they are racing in F1, WEC, are title sponsors of golf tournaments or whatever.

You can't blame us when Toyota are the only ones fully-funding their WRC programme thanks to Toyoda-San being a big rally fan.

Hyundai are on a budget as seen many times (limited test events, no spare cars etc) and Ford is barely funding M-Sport enough to continue at all (relying on M.Wilson and pay drivers).

[Backa]

You can't blame us when Toyota are the only ones fully-funding their WRC programme thanks to Toyoda-San being a big rally fan.

Hyundai are on a budget as seen many times (limited test events, no spare cars etc) and Ford is barely funding M-Sport enough to continue at all (relying on M.Wilson and pay drivers).

Hyundai remains competitive against Toyota while being on budget and Ford gets some decent publicity from time to time on low cost. And then we have 2027 regs focused on making it's more cost-effective. It's understandable to not expect similar prosperity as Formula 1 get in last years but WRC is quite likely to continue being fine/mediocre - pick one that in your opinion describe current WRC better.

I simply don't get that "it's either WEC or WRC" perspective. Manus have resources to be in both as long as marketing benefits outweight costs.