Ford pulls out of World Rally Championship

Ford is withdrawing its title sponsorship of M-Sport's World Rally Championship team at the end of the season, following MINI's decision last week to quit its involvement in the series.

The news comes after achieving 208 podium finishes, 52 wins and two world titles from 156 consecutive events since 1997, when M-Sport took responsibility of Ford's WRC campaign. This leaves the Cumbria-based motor sport firm supporting vehicles throughout the 2013 season.