The official Ford vs Holden rivalry has just one year to go, after Ford Australia confirmed it will end its financial support for V8 Supercars from the end of next year.
Prodrive Racing Australia (PRA) uses the racing name Ford Performance Racing, a team that has operated as Ford’s primary team since 2003.
Ford’s sponsorship of Ford Performance Racing (FPR) expires in December 2014.
PRA released a statement on the team’s website confirming it had been informed by Ford Australia of the decision to end its involvement in the championship.
“Ford Australia’s decision to not extend its commercial relationship with our team beyond the end of next season is extremely disappointing for our large and loyal fan base, but as a business this decision now allows us to concentrate on our long-term future,” PRA chief executive Tim Edwards said.
“We have enjoyed a highly-successful relationship with Ford Australia with just shy of 50 race wins, 150 podiums and the last two Bathurst 1000 crowns together.”
Mr Edwards says the new FG X Falcon will run next season as planned, and will possibly be used again in 2016 before major regulation changes in 2017.
Stories emerged on the eve of this year’s Bathurst 1000 that Ford was considering getting out of V8 Supercars – the manufacturer stated that a decision on its future in the sport would be made before the end of 2014.
Disappointed V8 Supercars boss James Warburton hopes to welcome Ford back in the future but is positive fans will still flock to see the remaining Ford cars race.
“The good news for our fans is that there will still be six Falcons on the grid in 2015.
“With many of our teams being privateers, with no factory support, we are confident that there will be Fords on the grid in 2016 and beyond.
Ford only provides financial support to FPR, while assisting Dick Johnson Racing (DJR) on a parts supply agreement.
Six Ford Falcons are expected to contest the 2015 season – FPR’s four entries plus single vehicles from Super Black Racing and DJR Team Penske.
Source: ABC/AAP