Qatar to Back WRC’s M-Sport Following Ford Withdrawal

M-Sport will remain in the FIA World Rally Championship after it announcing a new partnership with Qatar for 2013.

As part of the agreement, Nasser Al-Attiyah will drive a Qatar M-Sport World Rally Team Ford Fiesta RS WRC on seven rounds starting with February’s Rally Sweden, while two additional Fiestas could appear on all 13 rounds subject to confirmation. 

“We are delighted to welcome such a prestigious partner as Qatar on board for 2013,” said M-Sport boss Malcolm Wilson, whose firm had been searching for a replacement backer after Ford withdrew its WRC sponsorship following a 16-year association with the British company.

“The partnership with Nasser and the Qatari State will enable M-Sport to continue at the pinnacle of the sport and we are looking forward to working together in the future. Since the 2012 season came to a close, work has not stopped and the entire team is working around the clock to ensure we deliver a strong package for next year.”

“We are looking forward to building on our strong relationship with M-Sport and working with them in 2013,” said Al-Attiyah. “I have a good knowledge of the car having driven the Fiesta S2000 to its debut win in 2010 and [I am] now looking to secure my eighth title in the Middle East with the Fiesta RRC. I am really looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the Fiesta RS WRC and contesting as many WRC events as I can around my other motorsport commitments.”