M-Sport Ford World Rally Teams

RS · 23rd January 2021, 19:03

Originally Posted by the sniper

Just been thinking this weekend, Castrol/BP mustn't be an insignificant sponsor/financial contributor to the team, as Gus' dad's (presumably) millions weren't enough to displace Castrol stickers with Crown Oil ones. Though of course, it could just be a long term deal that had to be honoured or it's part of the deal with Ford's contribution.

I wondered that too but I guess you’re right about it being a long term deal with Castrol and/or tied in with some Ford partnership. That deal could be for the main two M-Sport cars and of course Gus is one of those now rather than the third driver.

Someone reported that Malcolm wants a lot of money for those seats, so somewhat surprising the Greensmith family wouldn’t want something in return for their cash.

**Fast Eddie WRC** · 23rd January 2021, 21:52

My interpretation is that this is to enable Greensmith to do the full season more cheaply by only paying for the drive and for not sponsorship as well.

Castrol has had a very long-term deal with M-Sport and is an important source of money not to be pushed away for a short-term deal.

It's also doubtful that Crown Oil would get much payback by sponsoring the WRC team. They already sponsor local football teams and stadiums. I'm sure this brings in more sales of domestic/industrial oil for heating than the more niche sport of rallying.

**Steve Boyd** · 24th January 2021, 01:06

There is also a link between Castrol and Ford. They supply the lubricants used in new Ford cars and for dealer service. The Castrol sponsorship for MSport might have come from some persuasion by Ford and be part of the hidden support from Ford to MSport.

**Sulland** · 24th January 2021, 07:58

Crown Oil history
https://www.crownoil.co.uk/about-us/

**Sulland** · 24th January 2021, 09:33

Maybe Suninen will drive Arctic, but after that I would put Fourmaux for the rest of the season with Gus in the two Fords.

He has a very good ability to learn and adjust his drive with the conditions. Talented driver!

**Fast Eddie WRC** · 24th January 2021, 10:14

Re sponsorship - you may also now notice 'Rockdoor' on the Fiesta WRC for 2021.

Rockdoor were a sponsor on Greensmith's Fiesta R5 a few years ago, so he may have brought them as a sponsor to M-Sport.

**Got Mail** · 24th January 2021, 10:16

Originally Posted by Fast Eddie WRC

Re sponsorship - you may also now notice 'Rockdoor' on the Fiesta WRC for 2021.

Rockdoor were a sponsor on Greensmith's Fiesta R5 a few years ago, so he may have brought them as a sponsor to M-Sport.

It's another of their family businesses. As is GAP plastics.

**Fast Eddie WRC** · 24th January 2021, 10:22

Originally Posted by Got Mail

It's another of their family businesses. As is GAP plastics.

Right, so getting this on the car instead of Crown Oil so as not to clash with Castrol.

**pantealex** · 24th January 2021, 12:09

Originally Posted by Sulland

Maybe Suninen will drive Arctic, but after that I would put Fourmaux for the rest of the season with Gus in the two Fords.

He has a very good ability to learn and adjust his drive with the conditions. Talented driver!

You believe that Formaux with zero WRC experience is faster than Suninen ?

Rest of season means Summer Rally Finland also ? Rally Estonia ?

**djip** · 24th January 2021, 14:19

Originally Posted by Sulland

Maybe Suninen will drive Arctic, but after that I would put Fourmaux for the rest of the season with Gus in the two Fords.

He has a very good ability to learn and adjust his drive with the conditions. Talented driver!

Yes Fourmeaux is doing great considering his lack of experience. But don't rush him too fast. He needs to learn the rallies and be a constant contender in WRC2 before moving up. He did a great job in Monte Carlo (his first Monte !) but ther is still a long road to go.