Ford releases Duval
Ford Motor Company is to release Francois Duval from his contract to drive for the team in the FIA World Rally Championship at the end of this season, increasing doubts over the manufacturer's continued presence in the sport
The 23-year-old Belgian has driven for Ford since the beginning of 2003, but the company informed Duval that it could not guarantee him a full WRC programme for 2005 by the end of August. Ford's WRC project is currently under review at the highest level.
FordTeamRS director Jost Capito said: "If we continue in WRC next year we would very much like to have Francois and his co-driver, Stephane Prevot, on board. However, as we are not in a position to give a commitment to them right now, we agreed with Francois to release him in order not to deny him the opportunity to further his WRC career.
"Francois has contributed much to Ford's WRC programme and, this season especially, has been a solid and consistent points scorer for the team. Ford would like to thank Francois and Stephane for their efforts and wish them both the best of luck for the future."
M-Sport team boss Malcolm Wilson left Japan, where this weekend's WRC round is taking place, just a matter of hours after arriving due to a meeting at Ford's British HQ in Brentwood with high-ranking Ford of Europe management.
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