M-Sport Ford World Rally Teams

[Lancia Stratos]

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.

Or Gerard Quinn doesn't actually know as he no longer works at Ford - and you can be sure Ford is in no hurry to tell him their plans!

[AnttiL]

From what Gerard Quinn says, Ford backing for M-Sport has remained pretty substantial. They have always assisted in the development of the improved engine and aero via Ford Performance.

It's a different thing to fund running of the team than helping developing the aero and engine, which can be updated only a few times a year (or not, if the team cannot afford to put the new parts in use)

[masa90]

Is anybody else worried that we might not see a full M-Sport RC1 team program in 2021? Lappi isn't paying. FFSA aren't interested in Rally1 yet. Mr Jouhki probably won't be able to see a return on funding Suninen again. What options remain? Gus' dad paying for a full season? Even just theoretically, who else? The only reasonable option would seem to be the speculation about Orlen/Lotos funding a seat for Kubica and Katjo, but all seems to be quiet on that front, so maybe there was nothing to that either? Running the team out of Poland might become advantageous with Brexit...

Maybe the time has come where Malcolm will go through with his threat of many years and pull the plug on the WRC/Rally1 program? Concentrating on a proper Rally2 program, with professional drivers, more PET and a more comprehensive development program, might actually make far more sense for M-Sport as a business, selling rally cars.

That would be horrible for the sport. Honestly I can not see any new teams joining, sport really needs to change up to be cheaper. If it just goes to two team battle might be crushing for the sport. Atleast 09-11 had loads of privateers. Now there is not many at all.

[Francis44]

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.

The current Fiesta WRC development was payed in interity by Ford.

[Lancia Stratos]

The current Fiesta WRC development was payed in interity by Ford.

Malcolm wishes it was..........

[AndyRAC]

The current Fiesta WRC development was payed in interity by Ford.

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

[Andre Oliveira]

The main thing is the driver. Works team pay for the drive and hire who wants... not who pay to drive.

One thing that cause me some surprise is the inability to get a big sponsor to the car.

[AndyRAC]

One thing that cause me some surprise is the inability to get a big sponsor to the car.

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

[Franky]

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

But has M-Sport even had "smaller" sponsorships?

[Francis44]

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

Really?! Last time I checked there are several sponsors on the other teams's cars.

Just to name a few: Microsoft, DMG Mori, Panasonic, Hanon, Shell.