The days of Australian motorsport’s greatest rivalry are officially numbered after Ford Australia confirmed they would not support the category from 2016.
And Blue Oval fans are seeing red.
While V8 Supercars boss James Warburton hoped Ford’s backing would return, the manufacturer faces a fan backlash based on the outpouring of emotion over the decision just days before the season finale in Sydney.
Fans took to social media to scream blue murder after Ford Australia ended months of speculation and announced they would not renew any funding from 2016.
“This decision is not a short-term plan as we transform our business,” Ford Australia president Bob Graziano said.
“We are proud of the teams and our history in the series but have made this decision so we can move forward by focusing all of our attention on our great products and consumer experience.”
Warburton hoped Ford would be back, keeping alive a legendary rivalry with Holden that has produced decades of memorable battles between the likes of Dick Johnson and Peter Brock.
Ford Performance Racing (FPR) is the only factory-backed team while the manufacturer also assists Dick Johnson Racing (DJR) on a parts supply agreement.
Six Ford Falcons will contest the 2015 season – FPR’s four entries plus single vehicles from Super Black Racing and DJR Team Penske featuring two-time series champion Marcos Ambrose.
“Clearly we are disappointed in their decision to cease financial support for FPR beyond 2015,” Warburton said.
“(But) with many of our teams being privateers, with no factory support, we are confident that there will be Fords on the grid in 2016 and beyond.
“In any case, we look forward to welcoming Ford back to our sport at some time in the future.”
FPR CEO Tim Edwards said the team – which has won the last two Bathurst 1000 races – would explore their options.
“We have enjoyed a highly-successful relationship with Ford Australia with just shy of 50 race wins, 150 podiums and the last two Bathurst 1000 crowns together,” he said.
“Now that we know where we stand we can further develop other opportunities.”
Edwards said they may continue to race the new Falcon FG X in 2016, expected to be the last year using current V8 regulations.
V8 Supercars hope to soon reveal new rules for the 2017 season that they hope will encourage support from other manufacturers, potentially opening up the category to two-door cars and engines other than V8s.
Edwards said Ford’s decision would be “extremely disappointing for our large and loyal fan base” – and he wasn’t wrong based on the social media meltdown.
Even rival V8 drivers felt for the Blue Oval fans.
“Disappointing to hear Ford’s decision to pull out of @v8supercars – feel for the loyal blue oval fans. I hope a privateer presence can remain,” Mercedes driver Will Davison tweeted.
Australian motorsport personality Cameron McConville later tweeted: “So Ford are out, but were they REALLY ever in? #V8SC”
The Sydney 500 starts on Friday.
