The M-Sport Ford World Rally Team has unveiled its livery for the upcoming 2019 FIA World Rally Championship season, returning to its striking 'nitrous blue' colour scheme.
M-Sport says the decision to revert back to the livery it last used in 2016 was motivated by "the fact that 2019 will be an important year for M-Sport as a business", referring to the launch of its new state-of-the-art test track facility – the layout of which features on the side of the car – plus the unknowns of how it will perform in the WRC this year after losing its star driver Sebastien Ogier.
The blue is also reflects Ford's continued financial and technical support, with the Fiesta WRC sporting Ford's Blue Oval mark on the bonnet and rear quarters, plus the ‘Powered by EcoBoost’ global trademark.
Established partners Castrol and Michelin also retain a strong presence, as do the team’s valued trade partners – all of whose commitment has been integral to the Cumbrian squad’s continued presence in the FIA World Rally Championship.
"Next year is going to be an important year for M-Sport, and that is reflected in this new livery," commented managing director, Malcolm Wilson. "We have a number of new projects coming up, including the launch of our Evaluation Centre and it’s fantastic to see the test track proudly displayed on our Ford Fiesta WRCs – two projects I’m immensely proud of merged together in this eye-catching new design.
"Support from our friends and colleagues at Ford, MS-RT, Castrol and Michelin is well represented as well as our valued trade partners – and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all as we simply wouldn’t have been able to continue in the FIA World Rally Championship without their support."
The team will field Elfyn Evans and Teemu Suninen throughout the 14-round season.