Quote Originally Posted by AndyRAC View Post
Exactly! This is were M-Sport have fallen down in the last few years; money - not enough of it to develop, and pay for a top driver!! To get Ogier, and stay competitive, they're going to need a large budget - something they've not had for years. There doesn't seem to be any noise regarding the return of Ford...I suspect WorldRX is enough for them to promote the RS brand.
I personally think there is a lot happening behind the curtains - and also at Ford. An opportunity like this is very rare. There is proper marketing value here ... and it might even be cheap compared to how it would normally be.

I think Malcom Wilsons phone is ringing non-stop right now. There are 3 challenges for him.

- Can he get the budget via sponsors
- Can he get Ford involved
- Can he get Ogier

Hyundai and Toyota are not in this game. It's either Citroën or M-Sport that's gonna sign Ogier ... unless he walks away from the WRC all together.

And one last thing. I bet you that Ogier is trying to get the feel of how the press and the fans react to him possibly signing for M-Sport Ford. If there is a buzz about the idea in the whole rally community and among the fans, then that might be the decisive factor. There is a HUGE difference between being and champion .... and a LEGEND! He's a champion with VW. He will be a legend if he becomes champion with M-Sport Ford.