From the
archives: Ford
goes all black

The move followed an online poll on WRC.com, which revealed 91 per cent of users wanted to see the new look used in competition, before a Facebook campaign finally convinced Ford management the new look was the way to go on a round of the WRC.

“We listened to what our fans wanted and discussed the idea with our partners at Abu Dhabi and Castrol,” said Ford’s European motorsport chief Gerard Quinn at the time. “They were in favour, and I believe this colour scheme allied with a close-to-the-ground asphalt set-up brings a sexy, mean and moody look to the Fiesta RS WRC. It was one of the potential liveries we discussed when finalising the design for our cars at the start of the year.”

The change of colour scheme didn’t quite bring the success Ford craved although former team leader Mikko Hirvonen did secure the final podium spot following Petter Solberg’s post-event exclusion for a technical infringement.

Following Rallye de France Alsace, Ford reverted to its mainly white and blue colour scheme for the remainder of the 2011 season. A similar colour scheme will feature when the squad tackles the Strasbourg-based round this week.