Ford Australia president Bob Graziano has confirmed that the manufacturer will continue to fund a factory operation in V8 Supercars next season.
There had remained an element of doubt about whether Ford would recommit given the economic challenges of the Australian car industry.
Graziano cast any doubts to one side by announcing the recommitment while at Bathurst as a guest of the Ford Performance Racing team.
“We are pleased to continue our association with FPR,” Graziano announced via a team media release which did not specify the length of the new deal.
“We have always had a very strong and positive relationship with the team, its principals and its drivers, and we look forward to building on that.”
Despite being the principal backer of FPR since the squad’s birth 11 years ago it is yet to realise its first championship success or Bathurst 1000.
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Although racking up 40 race wins and more than 100 podium finishes FPR has unable to claim either of the big biggest prizes in Australian motor racing.
“Our most important priority right now though is to regain our dominance of the mountain this weekend,” Graziano said.
FPR team principal Tim Edwards was relieved to have the deal confirmed publicly after talks dragged out for several months.
“Everyone at the team is of course very pleased to see our close relationship with Ford continue and to keep representing the company as its official factory team in V8 Supercars,” Edwards said.
V8 Supercars chief executive James Warburton was buoyed by Ford’s intent to continue in the touring car class.
“As the Car of the Future platform continues to attract newcomers to the grid, it’s terrific that Ford has confirmed its ongoing commitment.”
