[Mackmot]

Heres the press release:

Ford pledges support to Formula Ford series for 2005

Ford will continue its patronage of one of Britain's longest-running racing series by extending its support for the Formula Ford UK Championship into 2005. Next year's series will continue to be organised by Racing Line Ltd, with whom Ford has developed a strong working partnership, and will again form an integral part of the support package for the British Formula 3 and GT championships.

Ford's support for the series comes just days after Valle Makela took top honours at the Formula Ford finals at Brands Hatch and just before the traditional end-of-season international Formula Ford festival at the Kent circuit.

Jost Capito, director of Ford TeamRS, Ford's motorsport and performance vehicle arm, said the company would support the 2005 championship with a view to securing a long-term future for Formula Ford. "The company sees Formula Ford as an entry level base for talented young drivers wishing to make the step up from karting into car racing. The championship has launched drivers of the calibre of Ayrton Senna, Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill and, more recently, Jensen Button, into international careers and I see the series as the first real proving ground for talented youngsters looking for a successful racing future.

"Formula Ford has a 38-year history and Ford wants to ensure, and remain part of, a stable long-term future for this exciting branch of motor racing. Ford TeamRS will continue to provide technical assistance to teams for 2005 as well as working hard to develop a strategy to take the series further into the future.

"For almost 40 years Formula Ford has been a faithful and much-loved friend to young drivers. It is an integral part of the company's motorsport strategy. We want to continue the tradition that has seen Grand Prix champions having graduated to the sport's pinnacle via Formula Ford. But it isn't just about drivers. The championship also provides the Formula 1 engineers of the future with the opportunity to learn their trade and progress their careers," added Capito.

Racing Line said Ford's commitment to the championship would provide a huge boost. "We're delighted that Ford wants to remain involved in the championship. We would like to thank the teams that have stayed in Formula Ford and remained loyal to the championship and sincerely believe that they will all benefit from the stability that Ford's involvement and significant financial support will provide. The company's commitment will provide further incentive for new teams to enter the championship and this is excellent news for the long-term future of Formula Ford."