M-Sport boss Malcolm Wilson has
announced that his team will tie up with Qatar in 2013 in the WRC, a
move that will see Nasser Al-Attiyah join the team for seven events.
Wilson has been on the lookout for a
title sponsor after Ford withdrew their title sponsorship of the
team, leaving the works team with an aura of uncertainty, possibly
made worse by Jari-Matti Latvala's decision to leave for Volkswagen
for next season. Even though Wilson was confident of works Ford
representation in the WRC next year, this new deal secures the team's
future in the sport.
“We are delighted to welcome such a
prestigious partner as Qatar on board for 2013,” said Wilson. “The
partnership with Nasser and the Qatari State will enable M-Sport to
continue at the pinnacle of the sport and we are looking forward to
working together in the future. Since the 2012 season came to a
close, work has not stopped and the entire team is working around the
clock to ensure we deliver a strong package for next year.”
As part of the deal Al-Attiyah will
continue to campaign Ford machinery in the Middle East Rally
Championship, namely a Ford Fiesta RRC. The Qatari driver has a
sparkling history with the Cumbrian-based squad, having taken a Ford
Fiesta S2000 to it's début victory.
“We are looking forward to building
on our strong relationship with M-Sport and working with them in
2013. I have a good knowledge of the car having driven the Fiesta
S2000 to its debut win in 2010 and [I am] now looking to secure my
eighth title in the Middle East with the Fiesta RRC. I am really
looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the Fiesta RS WRC and
contesting as many WRC events as I can around my other motorsport
commitments.” said Al-Attiyah.
It was later announced that Mads
Ostberg would be chosen to drive one of the two additional
works-blessed Fiesta's on all 13 rounds, the decision coming after
the Norwegian impressed team boss Wilson with a spectacular last
season in a privateer Fiesta RS WRC. He beat off works driver Petter
Solberg (who's future is still unknown) to fourth place in the final
drivers standings.
“This is a great opportunity for me.
I have had many dreams in my career, but achieving this drive is
definitely one of the biggest and I am certainly going to try and
make the most of it.”
“I am really happy to have been
chosen to join the team and continue working closely with M-Sport
next season. We’ve been working with the [Ford Fiesta RS WRC] for
two years now - we know the car and we know the team so from the
technical side of things, I think we will be in a really good
position as there won’t be too much of a change to get used to.”
said an elated Ostberg.
However last season's Rallye de
Portugal winner understands the challenges that lie ahead, including
being up against the might of the Citroen works team plus Volkswagen,
who's intensive preparations for 2014 have been well documented.
“But from the other side of things,
it will still be a big challenge - albeit a big step in the right
direction. This season has been really good for us, and I hope we can
continue that into 2013. I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel
and start testing with the team in the next couple of weeks.” he
added.
As mentioned, 2003 World Rally Champion
Petter Solberg's future in the WRC is still unknown as yet. He
recently stated he won't pay for a drive however he would drive for
free if it guaranteed a spot in a competitive car for him. Solberg
endured a good start to the 2012 season but gradually declined
towards the final rounds, owing to bad luck as well as driving
errors.
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