M-Sport Ford World Rally Teams

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mknight

I didn't see anyone doubting that, definitely not after Goodwood this year.

What I and many others wonder is how can Ford, after using not insignificant ammount of money, be satisfied with MSport using Greensmith as #2 driver ( and to a lesser extend Breen as #1).

But hey, there is still hope they announce Tanak soon.

---

'cause they sell car, not drivers. as strange it may sound in our bubble, general public doesn't care who is driving a car, and also if the car is p1 or p5. it's just wow effect that sells cars. just as the yesterday video. 90% of casual viewers was hit by the car, not by the driver. same (million) people that follow block social media (selling fords not so long ago) never cared about his wrc result. marketing wise 1 mil view on audi electric is many much worth than any ogier title winning clip.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by abcrally

Anybody still thinks new Puma Rally1 was developed with M-Sport's (private team) money?

No. Ford Performance promised good support when new (Rally1 / Hybrid 2022) regulations were announced.

Ford wouldn't have involved more if the old regs (WRC2017) would have continued.

---

I've yet to see the rule that says you can't develop a Rally1 without manufacturer support or approval.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mknight

What I and many others wonder is how can Ford, after using not insignificant ammount of money, be satisfied with MSport using Greensmith as #2 driver ( and to a lesser extend Breen as #1).

---

I can rely on the Loeb rumours now, what bigger name could Ford want? Doesn't matter really if he's only doing a part-season, they'll get enough clips and images.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mknight

But hey, there is still hope they announce Tanak soon.

---

This is one rumour I can't rely on.

So who will they nominate for manufacturer points? Breen, Loeb and Fourmaux?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TypeR

..because Tanak, Ogier, Neuville and Evans have signed contracts and they don't want the all mighty Mikkelsen.

---

The number of drivers faster than Greensmith is much bigger than those you listed. So is the part of them that didn't have contract when they signed Greensmith.

That is if speed/results was the goal.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by wyler

'cause they sell car, not drivers. as strange it may sound in our bubble, general public doesn't care who is driving a car, and also if the car is p1 or p5. it's just wow effect that sells cars. just as the yesterday video. 90% of casual viewers was hit by the car, not by the driver. same (million) people that follow block social media (selling fords not so long ago) never cared about his wrc result. marketing wise 1 mil view on audi electric is many much worth than any ogier title winning clip.

---

I mostly agree with you, but it only goes to a point.

The majority of casual viewers don't care if the car gets 2 wins or 10. But if the car becomes a laughing stock that never got any good result, it spreads Even faster these days than in the past.

If they get some podiums and maybe 1-2 wins per year, that is for sure enough for Ford. (say like 2003-2004 season). But I don't think a season like 2021 would work with a new car.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mknight

The number of drivers faster than Greensmith is much bigger than those you listed. So is the part of them that didn't have contract when they signed Greensmith.

That is if speed/results was the goal.

---

Get over Greensmith being an M-Sport driver - he is paying and this allows both him and M-Sport to be in WRC.

And they have signed Breen as their choice of 'best of the rest'. Wait and see how this turns out and then criticise.

"Finally, the M-Ford Team will enter 3 or 4 crews with Ford Puma Hybrid Rally1s, whose names will be officially announced next week."

https://acm.mc/en/edition-en/rallye-...registrations/

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FG6AbOdW...jpg&name=large

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mknight

I mostly agree with you, but it only goes to a point.

The majority of casual viewers don't care if the car gets 2 wins or 10. But if the car becomes a laughing stock that never got any good result, it spreads Even faster these days than in the past.

If they get some podiums and maybe 1-2 wins per year, that is for sure enough for Ford. (say like 2003-2004 season). But I don't think a season like 2021 would work with a new car.

---

again. will spread in our bubble. normal people entering their car dealer and seeing a nice pic on the wall, will never know if it was good or not.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by WRCStan

"Finally, the M-Ford Team will enter 3 or 4 crews with Ford Puma Hybrid Rally1s, whose names will be officially announced next week."

https://acm.mc/en/edition-en/rallye-...registrations/

---

wrc confirmed 11 rally1: 4 toyota, 3 hiunday, 4 fords
https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc...t-monte-carlo/