valerossi
11-18-2007, 11:13 AM
Ford secures manufacturers' title - again. (http://www.crash.net/motorsport/wrc/news/157377-0/ford_secures_manufacturers_title_-_again.html)
Sunday, 18th November 2007
http://img104.imageshack.us/img104/7844/393567zn8.jpg
M-Sport-run team takes second consecutive world title.
Ford clinched the manufacturers' title in the FIA World Rally Championship for the second season in succession on Sunday.
The M-Sport-run outfit only needed to notch up three points this weekend in Ireland to put the matter beyond doubt and with Mikko Hirvonen bringing his car home in fourth and taking five points, it was more than sufficient to ensure the ‘Blue Oval' took the crown with one round still to go.
The BP Ford World Rally Team now holds a 21-point lead over Citroen and with a maximum 18 available on the 16th and final event in Wales in two weeks time it is a case of mission accomplished for the Dovenby-based outfit.
BP Ford team director Malcolm Wilson was delighted with the result and praised Hirvonen for adopting a ‘safety-first' policy after Marcus Gronholm crashed out in the #1 car early on leg 1.
"It's a fantastic feeling to win again. Nothing will surpass our 2006 title - but back-to-back world championships sends out a message about how strong we are as a team,” said Wilson Sr. “To win with one event remaining is amazing.
“We've had so much support from the drivers and the entire team, and thanks to Ford for its magnificent backing.
"Mikko did a perfect job this weekend. After Marcus' retirement, Mikko fully understood the role he had to play this weekend and he did it to perfection.”
Ford TeamRS director Jost Capito and John Fleming, president and CEO of Ford of Europe, meanwhile were also both very happy.
"After last year's title success we knew we had to raise our game in 2007 if we wanted to defend it. The reigning champions become the target of all their rivals and it is an old adage in sport that is harder to defend a title than it is to win it in the first place,” Capito added.
“It gives me great pride to reflect on this achievement and see the confidence throughout the team.
“I would like to thank Marcus, Timo, Mikko and Jarmo for their leadership. Their passion has inspired everyone in the team to give their very best to help Ford take rallying's crown again."
“We're delighted with this result,” Fleming continued. “Winning the world championship in 2006 with a new car was a superb achievement, but to defend that title successfully this year and secure the championship with one event remaining is outstanding and raises our accomplishments to new heights.
“Ford takes great pride in the success of the car and the team and I would like to thank every member of the BP-Ford World Rally Team for their dedication this year. They can once again proudly state that they are the best in the world,” he summed-up.
Sunday, 18th November 2007
http://img104.imageshack.us/img104/7844/393567zn8.jpg
M-Sport-run team takes second consecutive world title.
Ford clinched the manufacturers' title in the FIA World Rally Championship for the second season in succession on Sunday.
The M-Sport-run outfit only needed to notch up three points this weekend in Ireland to put the matter beyond doubt and with Mikko Hirvonen bringing his car home in fourth and taking five points, it was more than sufficient to ensure the ‘Blue Oval' took the crown with one round still to go.
The BP Ford World Rally Team now holds a 21-point lead over Citroen and with a maximum 18 available on the 16th and final event in Wales in two weeks time it is a case of mission accomplished for the Dovenby-based outfit.
BP Ford team director Malcolm Wilson was delighted with the result and praised Hirvonen for adopting a ‘safety-first' policy after Marcus Gronholm crashed out in the #1 car early on leg 1.
"It's a fantastic feeling to win again. Nothing will surpass our 2006 title - but back-to-back world championships sends out a message about how strong we are as a team,” said Wilson Sr. “To win with one event remaining is amazing.
“We've had so much support from the drivers and the entire team, and thanks to Ford for its magnificent backing.
"Mikko did a perfect job this weekend. After Marcus' retirement, Mikko fully understood the role he had to play this weekend and he did it to perfection.”
Ford TeamRS director Jost Capito and John Fleming, president and CEO of Ford of Europe, meanwhile were also both very happy.
"After last year's title success we knew we had to raise our game in 2007 if we wanted to defend it. The reigning champions become the target of all their rivals and it is an old adage in sport that is harder to defend a title than it is to win it in the first place,” Capito added.
“It gives me great pride to reflect on this achievement and see the confidence throughout the team.
“I would like to thank Marcus, Timo, Mikko and Jarmo for their leadership. Their passion has inspired everyone in the team to give their very best to help Ford take rallying's crown again."
“We're delighted with this result,” Fleming continued. “Winning the world championship in 2006 with a new car was a superb achievement, but to defend that title successfully this year and secure the championship with one event remaining is outstanding and raises our accomplishments to new heights.
“Ford takes great pride in the success of the car and the team and I would like to thank every member of the BP-Ford World Rally Team for their dedication this year. They can once again proudly state that they are the best in the world,” he summed-up.