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Racing: Ford returns to World Rally Championship in 2018

By Alex Herbst

FAFE, PORTUGAL - MAY 21: Martin Prokop of Czech Republich and Jan Tomanek of Czech Republich compete in their Onebet Pipocar WRT Ford Fiesta RS WRC during the SS16 Fafe of the WRC Portugal on May 21, 2017 in Fafe, Portugal. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
FAFE, PORTUGAL - MAY 21: Martin Prokop of Czech Republich and Jan Tomanek of Czech Republich compete in their Onebet Pipocar WRT Ford Fiesta RS WRC during the SS16 Fafe of the WRC Portugal on May 21, 2017 in Fafe, Portugal. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images) /
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Ford has returned their full factory support to the World Rally Championship in 2018, joining forces once again with M-Sport and Sebastien Ogier.

The World Rally Championship is one of the most diverse series in all of global racing. Competing on the most treacherous and differing surfaces of any championship in the world, it is a great test of both driver and machine throughout the year. Many manufacturers have used the WRC as a proving ground for their compact cars. The series will enjoy the support of an old partner once again in 2018.

As reported by Motorsport.com, Ford will return to the WRC in 2018 with full factory support for the M-Sport team. They will join other manufacturers including Citroen, Hyundai, and Toyota in supporting factory efforts in the coming season. M-Sport had previously run without Ford factory support in 2017, securing the overall WRC title with driver Sebastien Ogier.

Malcolm Wilson, team principal for M-Sport, welcomes the return of a close partnership with Ford Performance, per Motorsport.com:

"It’s great to see the Ford name back alongside M-Sport in the World Rally Championship. We welcome the increased level of technical support from Ford Performance. Defending the two world titles is going to be a big job for us next year, so we’re very grateful for the support from Ford."

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M-Sport and Ford have been long linked together, running Ford’s factory effort in the WRC from 1997 to 2012. Along the way, the team earned over 50 wins and two manufacturers titles in 2006 and 2007. At the end of the day, Ford’s support was also key for M-Sport in hanging on to reigning world champion Sebastien Ogier, who desired a factory supported squad. This is key as his chief rival in the series, Sebastien Loeb, will return to the World Rally Championship in 2018 in selected events with Citroen.

Ford’s increase in performance bucks a trend at the end of the 2017 season with other partners of the WRC. Car competitor Citroen scaled back their effort for the coming year from three full-time cars to two, with a third at selected events. Meanwhile, tire manufacturer DMACK, who formerly fielded an entry in the WRC, will become a tire partner for select developmental series teams, and work with the M-Sport team.

Next: DTM unveils expanded 2018 schedule

The 2018 season for the World Rally Championship is right around the corner. Be sure to catch coverage of the series in the United States on ESPN3 and the Eleven Sports Network. Beyond The Flag will also keep you covered with all the latest news and analysis.

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