Ford deny Fiesta will replace Focus

Deans reacted angrily to reports that the decision had been taken to replace the Focus with the Fiesta at the end of 2010.

Ford has always stated that it won't decide on the direction of the rally programme until the confirmation of the World Rally Championship's technical regulations, which are expected in the December meeting of the World Motor Sport Council.

Deans pointed out that Ford's very existence in the WRC hangs in the balance as both it and Citroen chase a firm commercial commitment from the FIA on the future of the WRC.

Deans said: "I'd just like to know how we have managed to make this decision when we don't even have a set of technical regulations. It's stupid. The plain truth of this is that we don't know what car we will be using in 2011.

"How can we? There are three alternatives for us to use. When we see the full set of technical regulations, then we will sit down and look at them and the direction we want to take from a marketing and sporting perspective and then - and only then - will we make a decision.

"What I can confirm is that, if we, Ford, remains in the WRC next season - which is something we are working on right now - then we want to continue to use the Focus."

Speculation has surrounded Ford's potential switch to the Fiesta for some time now. It was thought the firm would be forced into the switch when the 1800mm width restriction was talked about as part of the 2011 technical regulations.

The FIA is now on the verge of sanctioning an increase to 1820mm, which will not only allow Volkswagen to run its Scirocco WRC, but it would also facilitate the continued use of the Focus.