Like I said above, I think you are underestimating M-Sport, Eddie. I'm not entirely convinced that Ford's performance department does have that many skills that M-Sport doesn't already have.
Wilson and Ogier, I guess, will have to say that Ford are contributing from a technical POV, but M-sport created the car as it is and I think Ford could learn from them, not the other way around.
Maybe I see Ford Performance as more of a sponsor, rather than a development partner.
Still a win-win situation for both parties.
Not entirely sure, but what contribution do Toyota make to the development of the Yaris? (I don't think it's a great deal) and that car has seen great success, considering it's age and the short history of Makkinen's operation, which runs it.
I guess time will tell though and it will become more apparent, one way or the other as the season unfolds.
Eddie, on another note; any idea where I can find spectator info for the Malcolm Wilson rally? Cheers.