Ford’s future in V8 Supercars remains uncertain despite the announcement that DJR Team Penske will campaign Falcons next season.
Representation from the Blue Oval was notably absent from Monday’s confirmation, which included statements from Dick Johnson, Roger Penske and driver Marcos Ambrose.
Speedcafe.com understands that Penske has elected to press ahead with its V8 Supercars effort despite a lack of support from the manufacturer.
The decision to run Falcons next year is therefore currently little more than a carry-over of DJR’s current equipment.
As recently reported, existing V8 Supercars squad Ford Performance Racing is still waiting for its own deal with Ford.
DJR currently receives no financial support from Ford, sourcing only original equipment parts and staff vehicles through dealer relationships.
While the manufacturer provides funds to FPR, Ford does little to market its presence; a stark contrast to its enthusiasm for the sport when Ambrose was last involved.
Cheekily, continuing to shy away from a commitment to V8 Supercars beyond 2014 has not stopped Ford Australia or the American Ford Racing social media accounts lauding Ambrose’s return to V8 Supercars.
Ford Australia’s Facebook page proudly displayed a “welcome home” message for Ambrose on Monday, celebrating the two-time V8 Supercars champion’s return.
Amazingly, it was the first mention of motorsport on the Ford Australia page since August, 2013, with even FPR’s victory in last year’s Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 failing to rate a mention.
“A big welcome back to Australia Marcos Ambrose!” read the post.
“Marcos is family to all of us at Ford. He is a true racer and a Ford man through and through, from racing in V8SuperCars to NASCAR.
“We support Marcos on his personal decision to come home to Australia and his passionate fans.
“We also hope to celebrate together with him in victory lane before the end of the year and add to several memorable and exciting victories he has had with in NASCAR.”
The post triggered a flurry of responses from fans urging the manufacturer to back the DJR Team Penske and FPR V8 Supercars efforts.
Global Ford Racing manager Jamie Allison also celebrated the DJR Team Penske news via Twitter
Allison, who signs off on all of Ford’s racing commitments worldwide including Penske’s efforts in NASCAR, visited the Sydney 500 alongside Cindric last December.
Cindric has not attended an event this year but will travel to Mount Panorama for his first look at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 next month.
More on Penske’s V8 Supercars entry will become clear during a media teleconference with Cindric, Roger Penske, Dick Johnson and Ambrose later today.
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