[kartingdad]

Ford have just copied that press release from the one issued at the start of 2004.......

See www.formulaford.info for deja vu !

FORD TEAM RS TO SUPPORT UK FORMULA FORD SERIES

January 8, 2004

BRENTWOOD, January 8, 2004 – Ford Team RS will help ensure Formula Ford continues to play a key role in developing future Formula One world champions after announcing its support of the UK Championship in 2004.

Initially, Fords performance and competition arm will provide technical assistance and a tailored promotional support package to the series.

Ford Team RS will also seek to forge closer links between Formula Ford and its FIA Formula One and World Rally championship programmes, a move which could lead to an offer of a Formula One or WRC test if current plans reach fruition.

“Formula Ford has played a crucial role in grooming the sports future stars and providing an affordable competition arena for amateur drivers for nearly 40 years,” explained Jost Capito, director, Ford Team RS. “We are determined this heritage is not lost and that the category has a strong future.

“There is a chance our involvement will increase over time and we are already looking at ways of offering a test in a Cosworth-powered Formula One car or even the Ford Focus WRC machine to the series champion.”

Ford Team RS also confirmed the technical regulations for the category will be frozen for 2004 and any future changes will be tabled at regular meetings with the categorys various chassis constructors and engine preparation specialists. Ford Team RS is also keen to officially recognise other Formula Ford championships around the world.

The UK Formula Ford Championship, which is being co-ordinated by RacingLine Ltd on behalf of the British Racing and Sports Car Club, recently announced a five-year agreement to feature on the British F3-GT support package. Teams and drivers requiring more information should contact Barbara Armstrong on +44 1908 210077.

2004 UK Formula Ford Championship calendar (provisional)
Rounds 1 & 2 Donington Park April 3 & 4
Rounds 3 & 4 Croft May 1 & 2
Rounds 5 & 6 Knockhill May 15 & 16
Rounds 7 & 8 Snetterton June 5 & 6
Rounds 9 & 10 Castle Combe June 19 & 20
Rounds 11 & 12 Oulton Park July 17 & 18
Rounds 13 & 14 Silverstone August 14 & 15
Rounds 15 & 16 Thruxton August 29 & 30
Rounds 17 & 18 Spa-Francorchamps September 11 & 12
Rounds 19 & 20 Brands Hatch October 2 & 3

Notable Formula Ford graduates
Rubens Barrichello (89 Brazilian runner-up, Ferrari Formula One driver)
Jenson Button (98 British Champion, BAR Formula One driver)
David Coulthard (89 British Junior Champion, McLaren Formula One driver)
Anthony Davidson (00 Festival winner, BAR Formula One test driver)
Ralph Firman (93 Festival racer, Formula One driver)
Marc Gene (93 European runner-up, Williams Formula One test driver)
Nick Heidfeld (95 European Champion, Formula One driver)
Nicolas Kiesa (99 British Champion, made Formula One debut with Minardi)
Kimi Raikkonen (99 Festival finalist, McLaren Formula One driver)
Michael Schumacher (88 German runner-up, Ferrari Formula One driver)
Mark Webber (96 Festival winner, Jaguar Formula One driver)
Alexander Wurz (92 German champion, McLaren Formula One test driver)

# # #
Contact: Richard Rodgers Sarah Pope
+44 1277 245754 +44 1277 252835
rrodgers@prismteam.com spope9@ford.com

Notes to editors:
Formula Ford has been the cornerstone of junior motor racing in the since Ray Allen won the inaugural race at Brands Hatch in July 1967. Since then, the category has blossomed, launching the careers of a host of motor racing champions, not least Damon Hill, Nigel Mansell and the late Ayrton Senna.

Of the 20 drivers competing in the 2003 Japanese Grand Prix, 10 of them were schooled in Formula Ford, including champion Michael Schumacher and runner-up Kimi Raikkonen.

One of the major factors behind the Formulas success has been the consistent technical regulations. While the chassis have evolved on almost an annual basis to improve performance and also conform to increasingly stringent safety requirements, the 1600cc ‘Kent engine was used from 1967-1992, until being replaced by the 1800cc ‘Zetec unit from 1993 to the present day.

“Formula Ford was a great way for me to start my career,” said 1998 National Formula Ford Champion Jenson Button shortly after his Grand Prix debut in 2000. “The racing was very competitive and there isnt a better way to introduce rookies to open wheel racing. Formula Ford gave me the right preparation and experience needed to move up again in my career.”