The Abu Dhabi Spirit of Rally Award, presented at each WRC round in recognition of an outstanding feat of leadership, integrity, respect or teamwork, has been jointly presented to Ford and Citroen at Rally Finland. The award came after manufacturers announced extensions to their FIA World Rally Championship commitments until 2011 delivering a huge boost to the sport.
The double WRC endorsement ensures the participation of two of the biggest global motoring names for the next two years, and was welcomed throughout Finland’s WRC Service Park and by motorsport fans worldwide.
“This is well deserved award which should be viewed as a sign of applause for the manufacturers’ commitment to WRC,” commented Ahmed Hussein, Deputy Director General, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), a BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team title sponsor and, Official WRC Destination Partner.
Both Ford and Citroen have long and successful world rally credentials, and their overwhelming WRC success has left an extraordinary legacy. With 71 world rally wins, a record-breaking 115 consecutive points finishes (prior to Rally Finland), and three Constructors Championships, Ford is one of the series’ most successful and formidable teams. Citroen meanwhile boasts an impressive four Constructors Championships, five Drivers Championships, and 58 victories overall.
Gerard Quinn, Senior Manager, Motorsport, at Ford of Europe commented, “We are delighted to have been presented with the Abu Dhabi Spirit of Rally Award - Ford’s continued participation in WRC is so important not only to everyone at Ford but also to the WRC itself and it is fantastic that it has been recognised as such.”
Citroen quote.
