THE LINE

September 14, 2011

(Ford)
The Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team delivered a dominant 1-2 finish in Rally Australia over the weekend as Mikko Hirvonen and Jarmo Lehtinen (Ford Fiesta RS World Rally Car, above) captured the 10th round of the FIA World Rally Championship by 14.7sec over their teammates, fellow Finns Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila in their Ford Fiesta WRC. The dreaded "team orders" came into play, however, as overnight leader Latvala, the 26-year-old whose own championship hopes blew-up earlier in the year, had a 13.4sec advantage over the 31-year-old Hirvonen, but slowed near the finish to allow him to move ahead, which moved Hirvonen to second in the drivers' standings, just 15 points off of the lead with three rounds remaining. "At the start of the season we agreed to help each other, and Jari-Matti showed today what a team player he is," Hirvonen said. "He had a great opportunity to win this rally but he gave it up to help me in my fight for the championship and I appreciate that.  Two years ago I lost the world title by a single point, so every point counts," he said. "My thanks go to the whole team," added Hirvonen, who claimed his 14th WRC victory.  "We've waited for this for a long time and I know we can continue to fight for wins and titles together.  It's been a hard season and we've been under great pressure.  We controlled the weekend well as a team and I'm delighted for Ford that we're returning home with a one-two." 

(Ford)
Jari-Matta Latvala (with Miikka Antilla) had a comfortable 22.7sec lead after 26 special stages and 368.96km of predominantly dirt-road competition at Rally Australia. Latvala claimed two bonus points after setting second fastest time on the final live TV Power Stage, but he handed the rally lead - and the win - to his teammate Hirvonen.

(Ford)
Mikko Hirvonen and Jari-Matti Latvala celebrate after winning the 2011 Rally Australia.

(Photo© 2011, autostock, USA Brian Czobat)
Carl Edwards (No. 99 Roush Fenway Racing Kellogg's Ford) started 8th and finished 2nd to Kevin Harvick (No. 29 Richard Childress Racing Budweiser Chevrolet) at Richmond International Raceway Saturday night. The Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship is now set with Kyle Busch (Toyota) leading the way, followed by Harvick, Jeff Gordon (Chevrolet), Matt Kenseth (Ford), Edwards, Jimmie Johnson (Chevrolet), Kurt Busch (Dodge), Ryan Newman (Chevrolet), Tony Stewart (Chevrolet), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (Chevrolet) and the two "wild cards" - Brad Keselowski (Dodge) and Denny Hamlin (Toyota).

(Ford)
Ford unveiled a bold new 2012-specification Formula Ford at the Frankfurt Motor Show, which Ford says, "represents another advance in technology and performance for the formula." The new-generation Formula Ford machines will use a production-based 1.6-litre Ford EcoBoost direct injection, turbocharged engine, limited to producing around 165PS and 220Nm, and mated to a 6-speed sequential transmission with mechanical shift mechanism. The new car boasts increased levels of safety including a tubular chassis - the first in a single seat racer to comply with the latest, stringent FIA safety standards - front and rear carbon crash structures, side intrusion panels, FIA specification head restraint system, wheel tethers and an FIA removable seat. FIA compliance will allow the 2012 specification car to be applicable for Formula Ford championships around the globe, especially in emerging markets where alignment to FIA regulations is commonplace. "The 2012 specification car’s FIA approved safety attributes, powerful Ford EcoBoost engine and striking kinetic design, make for a really appealing proposition for race teams and drivers,” said Mike Norton, motorsport manager, Ford of Europe. “Formula Ford is already well-known as the perfect proving ground for up-and-coming drivers and engineers, and it is Ford’s desire to continue nurturing this by supporting teams and manufacturers across the globe with the safest environment, latest technologies and most attractive packages. Formula Ford is in its 44th consecutive year and remains a very popular choice for drivers around the world. Many Formula Ford drivers have gone onto careers in Formula 1. This is a great compliment to Formula Ford and we at Ford are proud of this achievement.” No further details as to the car's availability are available.

(Ford Racing)

With the all-new Focus ST road car making its global production debut, Ford is unveiling a special motorsport counterpart – the race-tweaked, production-based Focus ST-R – at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The Focus ST-R is purpose-built for the track by Ford Racing in North America as a fully-prepared competition car. It features a 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine, FIA regulation roll cage, uprated brakes and track-tuned suspension. The all-new Focus ST-R has been crafted by engineers at Ford Racing – with technical support from Ford’s Global Performance Vehicles group – to allow it to compete in a huge variety of series, including Grand-Am ST, World Challenge TC and the Canadian Touring Car Series. Ford also hopes teams will race the car in key European motorsport series and major national events such as the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. “We’re thrilled to be taking the Focus ST-R from concept to reality for motorsport enthusiasts initially in North America and potentially around the world,” said Jamie Allison, director, Ford Racing.  “The previous turn-key race cars we developed for North American racing (Mustang FR500C, Mustang FR500S, Mustang Cobra Jet, Boss 302R and Boss 302S) have been hugely successful, so we are hopeful that the ST-R will be the first such vehicle for global series and as a direct result of the company's global platform strategy and our technical support program for motorsport applications of Focus and Fiesta models. This is a competitive turn key race car that will allow our customers to compete successfully in multiple series around the world with minor modifications.  And it shows the on-going alignment of Ford Racing with our Performance Vehicles development group.” The Focus ST-R will be available to order from Ford dealers' parts departments in North America by seasoned hardcore professional drivers, amateur racers and track day enthusiasts as well.  Ford’s vision is to broaden availability to additional regions in the future.

Editor-in-Chief's Note: If you really must keep up on all of the latest F1 developments and the potential U.S. GP in Austin, Texas, go here. - PMD

Editor-in-Chief's Note: Check out Michelin's racing website - "Michelin Alley" - and get in on all of the behind-the-scenes buzz. Go here. - PMD

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