Ford releases new WRC car

FORD’S challenger in the new look World Rally Championship, the Ford Fiesta RS World Rally Car, was launched at the Autosport Show at the NEC in Birmingham yesterday.

Team driver, Finland’s Mikko Hirvonen and Director of Motorsport Ford of Europe, Macroom’s Gerard Quinn unveiled the new livery at the traditional start-of-season showcase event. Ford’s official WRC squad for 2011, that also includes Jari Matti Latvala, also confirmed its new name and logo — it will compete as the Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team.

Title partner Abu Dhabi will continue its support for the fifth year in succession. Emirati driver, Khalid Al Qassimi, will drive a third Fiesta RS WRC in support of the Finnish duo. The team will also continue its association with Castrol (a partner since 2005) branding for Castrol EDGE, its global range of motor oils, will feature prominently in the Fiesta RS WRC’s livery.