Following MINI, Ford too announced they will be exiting World Rally Championship at the end of 2012 season. They will cease all operations and end supporting and sponsorship of the M-Sport team, putting an end to a career that’s been going on since 1997. Not sure what exactly is the reason for this fallout, but it could put the the future of one of the world’s most exciting sports in danger.

Ford decision to pull out of WRC doesn’t mean you will not see any Fiesta’s in the next season. M-Sport has announced they will continue campaigning the car next year. Plus they have sold many to the privateer teams. It’s just that there will be no direct factory involvement anymore. Just like MINI, Ford wants to just sit back and watch Citroen winning all the events.

Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales and Service: “Ford has a long and proud history in the WRC and this was not an easy decision. At this time, however we determined that it was better for the company and the Ford brand to reduce our commitment to the WRC and deploy our resources in other areas.”