Martin Prokop linked to Ford

M-Sport, which operates the Ford Focus in the WRC, has signed Martin Prokop, this season's Junior World Rally champion, to drive the new Fiesta Super 2000 in 2010 in the S-WRC, before moving up to the WRC in 2011 .

Published on 12/12/2009 à 13:05

⁰ View comments)

Martin Prokop, after winning the Junio World Rally Championship (J-WRC) avec une Citroën C2 Super 1600, va rejoindre Ford et les rangs de M-Sport pour disputer le nouveau championnat du monde des Rallyes Super 2000 (S-WRC). Le Tchèque prendra le volant de la nouvelle voiture de la marque à l?ovale bleu, la Ford Fiesta Super 2000. Prokop prendra la volant de la Fiesta lors de sept manches du S-WRC et de la FIA WRC Cup. Ford espère ainsi amener le Tchèque au plus haut niveau, au WRC, la saison suivante.

Martin Prokop will therefore start the Rally of Sweden (February 11-14), first round of the next WRC season. “ I decided to drive the Fiesta S2000 because it?s a beautifully made car, commented Prokop. I like the way Ford organizes its WRC campaign, as well as the fact that they know how to present their know-how and support customer teams. »

Beyond this 2010 season, Martin Prokop hopes to be able to join Ford in the main series in 2011, banking on the change in regulations. “ Ford has a good vision in the way it helps young drivers climb the Rally ladder. It is possible to transform the Fiesta S2000 to adapt it to the specifications of the WRC cars in 2011, which is ideal for me. I find this idea of a smooth transition to the WRC very attractive. »

« We are proud to welcome the Junior Rally World Champion in one of our cars ", declared Malcolm Wilson, boss of M-Sport, Ford's WRC partner and which developed the Fiesta S2000. However, it is the Jipocar Racing team, based in the Czech Republic, which will prepare Prokop?s car next season, with M-Sport providing technical support.

« We look forward to working with him and providing all our technical support possible., confided Wilson. We have been heavily involved in the Fiesta S2000 and I think the S-WRC will prove to be an exciting championship for the drivers taking part. »

In addition to the S-WRC events, Martin Prokop could participate in Czech championship rallies. The Bohemia Rally and the Barum Rally are particularly targeted.