It was the same situation in the World Rally Championship yesterday, when both Citroen and Ford confirmed they will continue to be part of the sport in 2010 also. Ford was the first team to make that clear for the media in a press conference in Finland, as they also announced this year's drivers lineup will remain the same throughout the 2010 and 2011 seasons.
“We have a young and dynamic driver line-up which continues to gain in experience and maturity. The Focus RS WRC has displayed its speed, strength and reliability time and again, while we have the infrastructure in place at our Dovenby Hall base to develop, with Ford's support, the Fiesta S2000 into a car capable of taking the fight to our rivals in 2011,” said M-Sport director Malcolm Wilson.
“We're not in WRC just for fun, we're there to challenge for titles and we'll do everything to win. Throughout 2010 and 2011 we expect to maintain Ford's significant presence in the WRC service park, both through the official 'works' team and via our customers,” added the Brit.
During the course of yesterday afternoon, Citroen also announced their priorities for the upcoming seasons, confirming their stay in the WRC. Unlike their rivals, however, the French manufacturer admitted they are still in the negotiations phase regarding the extensions of both Sebastien Loeb's and Dani Sordo's contracts.
“In the current tricky financial climate, it is important to keep on expressing ourselves through motorsport and through the victories of our teams and cars. The WRC, where the costs remain contained, is an excellent promotional vehicle. Citroen Racing is delighted by the trust that has been placed in us by Citroen's board of directors and the PSA Group,” said Citroen team principal Olivier Quesnel.
“We are currently working with our existing driver line-up to renew their contracts. I am confident that Sebastien Loeb and Dani Sordo will be continuing their adventure with Citroen Racing into the future,” added the Frenchman.
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