Ford Team RS to Support UK Formula Ford Series

10 January 2004

Ford Team RS will help ensure Formula Ford continues to play a key role in developing future Formula One World Champions after announcing its support of the UK Championship in 2004.

Initially Ford's performance and competition arm will provide technical assistance and a tailored promotional support package to the series.

Ford Team RS will also seek to forge closer links between Formula Ford and its FIA Formula One and World Rally championship programmes, a move which would lead to an offer of a Formula One or WRC test if current pland reach fruition.

"Formula Ford has played a crucial role in grooming the sport's future stars and providing an affordable competition arena for amateur drivers for nearly 40 years," explained Jost Capito, director, Ford Team RS. "We are determined this heritage is not lost and that the category has a strong future.

"There is a chance our involvement will increase over time and we are already looking at ways of offering a test in a Cosworth-powered Formula One car or even the Ford Focus WRC machine to the series' champion."

Ford Team RS also confirmed the technical regulations for the category will be frozen for 2004 and any future changes will be tabled at regular meetings with the category's various chassis constructors and engine preparation specialists. Ford Team RS is also keen to officially recognise other Formula Ford championships around the world.

The UK Formula Ford Championship, which is being co-ordinated by Racing Line Ltd on behalf of the British Racing and Sports Car Club, recently announced a five-year agreement to feature in the British F3/GT support package.

See series calendar for British Formula Ford Championship 2004

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