Ford has announced its withdrawal from the FIA World Rally Championship as a title sponsor at the end of the 2012 season, meaning no factory team will be competing next year.
In a statement issued yesterday night, Ford of Europe, and following a review of its marketing activities, stated the current economic climate as the main reason behind the decision.
Ford will not be completely absent, as it is in talks with M-Sport, the team that gave them 52 victories and two manufacturers’ world championships in 2006 and ’07, to provide vehicle and engineering support.