Malcolm Wilson and his M-Sport squad have decided to follow up the much anticipated launch of the new Fiesta rally car with their entrance into the Intercontinental Rally Challenge. The team will compete in the opening round of the championship with Mikko Hirvonen at the wheel.
Ford becomes the eighth manufacturer to participate in the IRC, adding a certain level of excitement to the 2010 season. This and the welcome addition of a Subaru car for sale have made this a lucrative off season for the IRC as it looks to try and take some steam off of the WRC and the huge moves it has made on its off season.
The Fiesta was originally launched so it could offer the customer a platform in which Ford could compete at every level of rally competition. What this is, is the Ford Motor Company living true to their word. What this is NOT, is a factory effort from Ford into the IRC. The same is to be said about Subaru as well. These efforts are not “factory” efforts, rather a manufacturer providing a customer the means to compete. Ford drivers will score points because the Fiesta will meet the specifications set by the series. M-Sport is a contracted company by Ford and not a direct branch from Ford Motor Company.
