Malcolm Wilson interview by Rallye-magazin.de (translated) explaining how Fiesta R5 sales have enabled M-Sport to continue in the WRC ...
Also how R5 is the future, the Fiesta 2.4 and RallyCross ...
WILSON: R5 WAS ESSENTIAL FOR SURVIVAL
For M-Sport the Ford Fiesta R5 is a complete success. Without this vehicle, the WRC program with the World Rally Car would not have been possible, as team principal Malcolm Wilson says. Also in the future the car will play a major role.
"The R5 project has enabled us to stay in the championship at the highest level. From a commercial point of view it was a great success, "said M-Sport boss Malcolm Wilson. "With Peugeot and Citroën now embarking also, I believe that there is a large market for R5-cars. We are fully booked until mid-June and get everyday new demands. There is a bright future for these cars. We also develop a R5 +, which is a R5 with WRC Turbo and 34mm restrictor, which can be used in national rallies. Even this we have been ten orders. I think the R5 has opened many doors for us. It is a car that will be used in national races, at the international level and it's just one second per mile slower than a WRC and at only 40 percent of the cost. Personally, I think that's the way the sport should go. We need to reduce costs further. "
While Wilson is facing a major challenge in 2015 to plan a new World Rally Car and finance, developed his team further expansion of the current fiestas. It's not just about the R5 +, but also to the Fiesta in 2400 , which is powered by a 325-hp 2.4-liter naturally aspirated engine. "These are all wishes of our customers," said Wilson. "We must do everything to survive in this business. So we look at all possible areas. The worst thing that can happen is that these cars are in the garage and not be moved. Come the vehicles used, then replacement parts are required, and of course we also need this business. But of course we must be successful. Are we not more, this enormous impact will have on our business. "
The issue of Rallycross is interesting for Wilson. M-Sport built for Ken Block on a vehicle and the competitiveness of the car let other drivers attention. "Rallycross is something we need to look. We think about owning a car that we can use with Ken and some other people, hopefully. "
Even in the smaller RC4 Class M-Sport remains active, although the FIA ??future Citroën chose as a supplier to the Junior World Cup. "We knew that this decision would come. Frankly, we were at the point to sell our entire R2 cars to Chile, because there is a appropriate championship, "said Wilson. "Then suddenly there was the possibility with DMACK. They wanted to make a difference and we have a better championship on its feet than before. It was not to work against the FIA, the DMACK-Challenge came out of nowhere and was bagged in a few hours. "
Whether he can count on the support of Ford in the near future? "I can not give an answer. When you think of the current economic situation of Ford, then you can understand that they do not look so long after the World Rally Championship or any other motor sport until their financial situation has improved significantly, "said Wilson.
M-Sport/ Ford have been testing using a 'simulator' in the USA. They say its helped improve the Puma Rally1 car, especially for tarmac. Does anyone know what this simulator could be like ? Story...
WRC Testing