Rushbrook: “DPi would be a very good platform”

Do you hope the DPi becomes hybrid after 2021?

Yes. This is necessary in view of the direction taken by the automobile industry and Ford particularly on the electrification of road, hybrid or electric vehicles. In Endurance, with the opportunities offered by this discipline, the DPi would be a very good platform.

Did you push for common LM P1 – DPi regulations?

We have always said that we are campaigning for this, to have a pattern similar to what we have today in GT, since we can field our car just as well in Imsa in GTLM than in WEC in GTE Pro. We would love to be able to do the same in Prototype. But it must also allow us to promote relevant technologies in an affordable manner in these two series.

We are not really taking the path…

It's hard to be sure until the regulations are published. It seems like they're not going in the same direction right now, but that doesn't mean there's no hope.

What do you think of the budgetary estimates communicated by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) regarding its future Hypercar category?

It's at least twice as expensive.

The Ford GT program is supposed to end at the end of 2019. What about it?

We will not comment on what will happen at the end of the current year. Our future in Endurance depends on what will happen in Prototype. We need to see what will happen before making any decisions.

Fresh batch of wallpapers for your Wednesday morning – @Ford GT throwback edition. #WallpaperWednesday | #FordIMSA pic.twitter.com/gC98OMrXyH

- Chip Ganassi Racing (@CGRTeams) 30th January 2019

If the official GT program ends, could we see the cars in the hands of private teams?

Absolutely. And we would be able to provide follow-up.

You will support Stard in the World Rallycross Championship (World RX). Are you still considering an E-WRX entry in the future?

Yes, manufacturers having until March to ensure their commitment for 2021. This is still an option for us if the final decision has not yet been made.

Could the WRX become your major program? Would that be enough?

There are many options available to us. But there is the WRX and the ARX and, just like in Endurance, we would like a common platform. It's not defined but it will play a role in our decisions.

The E-WRX in 2021, is it not too late for your communication campaigns?

2020 was too early and 2021 seems like a good date to me.

We have seen you on various E-Prixes, so I ask you the same question for the Formula E...

We are looking at 100% electric platforms and Formula E is one of them. We have regular discussions with Alejandro (Agag, president of Formula E. Editor's note) and the teams. The latest one is from the beginning of this week…