Ford blow for BTCC

Ford's pull-out leaves only one manufacturer

The Ford team has dealt a major blow to the future of the British Touring Car Championship by pulling out of the 2001 series.

Ford's decision leaves a major question mark over the BTCC. The only manufacturer to commit to the series for next year is Vauxhall.

Honda, the third and only other car maker to enter a works team in this year's BTCC, may provide manufacturer support to a private team, while Peugeot and Rover have yet to decide whether they will return to the series.

Ford has dominated the BTCC this year, and has already secured the manufacturers' title. One of its drivers will tie up the drivers' crown at Silverstone on September 17.

New rules favour smaller class cars, so it is not approproate for the brand to enter the BTCC

  John Mendel
Ford marketing director

Briton Anthony Reid leads the championship, but his team-mates Alain Menu of Switzerland and the Swede Rickard Rydell still have chances to win.

John Mendel, Ford Britain's marketing director, said: "With the all-new Ford Mondeo about to go on sale and the manufacturer's championship already won by our three-car team this season, now is a good time to pause, reflect on our success and make the most appropriate decisions with regard to any future racing plans.

"New BTCC rules for 2001 favour smaller class cars, such as the Ford Focus. Ford Focus is currently competing for the World Rally Championship title, so it is not appropriate for the brand to enter the BTCC."

Brave face

Ford, which has raced the Mondeo in the BTCC for the past eight seasons, is following Volvo, Alfa Romeo and Audi in quitting the series.

The BTCC's organiser, British Motorsport Promoters, is putting a brave face on Ford's decision, but losing the American manufacturer is close to a disaster to the championship.

It is in a state of flux for next season with the new rules, aimed at slowing the cars, taking some of the edge of its status.