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Hardly a fan of the sport then, are you? The top drivers will make most cars look good......

Look at Ford's Mustang GT3 line up of drivers......Ford have got the cheque book out for them. They do have money for motorsport - just not for their WRC effort.....

I don't give a toss about somebody's business.....the sport is far more important in the long term.

Another wrong decision; Rally2/ R5 cars are enough for National events; another class for rich businessman is not needed. When are people in UK rallying going to wake up?

The criticism is nothing compared to major sports.....

The rich amateur/ gentleman driver has always been a part of motorsport; they quite often fund teams/ help other drivers. We see it in rallying, as well more obviously in Sportscars.....
As others...

Very much like Rohrl; Tony Fall sat in with him and couldn't get his head around how much understeer he could handle.....And both were useful on circuits.....

Loubet??? What for? I honestly don't understand how RB pick some of their athletes. Some make absolutely no sense (Fourmaux), yet there are others who you think should be, and they're not.

Yes, I know - I was being 'tongue in cheek'/ facetious....

Imagine them following the M-Sport template; a small budget, very little testing, one decent driver and a slow pay driver........

I'll believe that when I see it; they can't possibly afford it.

Yes; I think it was more a case of Red Bull athletes driving the M-Sport cars, with minimal funding. I suspect it covered the Breen car, as he isn't part of RB; Loeb, Fourmaux are both RB athletes;...

Maybe Breen has become a Red Bull athlete? Though I haven't seen anything to announce it. Off the top of my head, I can't recall too many Irish RB athletes, but I'd have to look it up.

Sounds familiar; continued, and maybe improved support, but not the 'kitchen sink'. If they require any pay drivers, then it's not a full factory effort! What will it take for them to fully back...

I doubt the Red Bull personal sponsorship is particularly big in money terms; he's hardly one of their major stars (well not yet). A coveted RB helmet and other support, rather than budget.

Since when has rallying been the most prestigious form of motorsport? And can only attract 3 manufacturers..... Don't you just love PR??

Hmm, with the greatest of respect, that doesn't fill me with massive hope/confidence. I doubt Toyota or Hyundai are worried about them come next year. No winners - some flashes of speed but lots of...

I get the feeling this is Red Bull backing an up and coming driver - adding to their athlete programme; rather than team sponsorship. Like 2017 Ogier had Red Bull livery, Tanak didn't as he wasn't/...

Ford have had ample opportunity to fully back M-Sport - I'm sure some of the big bosses were at Monte in 2017, and seemed impressed. But not enough to provide full backing. Nascar and the IMSA/WEC...

Exactly! All these comments, and expert opinions never ask why M-Sport require 'pay drivers' and why we only have 2 proper Manufacturers. And will it be any better with the new rules?

It depends on what 'commitment' is defined by.

Full factory support, both financially and technically, enabling top drivers = Commitment.
Some technical/ aero support only, requiring self...

It shouldn't be a surprise though........The sport isn't visible enough for sponsors. Far easier to sponsor a football team/ tournament....

That's 3-4 years ago. What about now?

What is pretty substantial? If it was, they could afford testing, top drivers, etc

Conclusion: Ford don't think the WRC is worth it financially.

Well, there is a simple answer - but probably not popular on a motorsport/ rally forum.....

It's a fair point - but they obviously 'cut their cloth' accordingly; they are a well run team and make the most of everything they have. A larger budget is always going to help, especially in...