Richards returns to Ford with FPR

Richards, who drove for the team in 2001 its earlier guise of Ford Tickford Racing, joins the team on a long-term contract, having spent the last five years driving a Holden for Larry Perkins.

He replaces Jason Bright, who will drive a Ford for the team he set up in 2005, Britek Motorsport.

The son of four-time series champion and six-time Bathurst 1000 winner Jim Richards, Steven already has two Bathurst 1000 victories of his own in 1998 and 1999 and always scores well in the championship, though he is yet to take the title.

After several years of struggle, Ford Performance Racing were strong in 2006 and Richards is happy to be joining the team: "It is terrific to be joining a team that is clearly on the rise following the speed that FPR displayed during the 2006 season.

"Mark Winterbottom's results in 2006 mirror FPR's and I am sure we can make a formidable combination that will continue developing FPR's front running form in 2007.

"It is a special time to be joining this team and I can't wait to get behind the wheel of the FPR Falcons at our first test day."

Rod Barrett, the team's commercial director, is glad to see Richards at the team after a concerted effort to get him there: "After more than 12 months of negotiations, FPR is absolutely thrilled to welcome Steve to the team as it heads towards its most important season yet in 2007.

"Steve will add great value to the team and is one of the most competitive and accomplished drivers in the series. We look forward to watching Steve and the team challenge for the V8 Supercar titles in 2007 - beginning with Adelaide in March."