Despite speculation that Ford is set to quit V8 Supercars in 2015, Ford Oz boss Bob Graziano has says a final decision has yet to be made.
AMID HEAVY SPECULATION Ford will walk away from V8 Supercars in 2015, Ford Australia president Bob Graziano has told Speedcafe.com that any formal discussions on Ford’s plans for V8 Supercars beyond 2014 won’t be take place until after the end of this season.
“I’ve said before that we are not going to talk about what we do going forward until after the season is over and nothing has changed in that regard either,” Graziano told Speedcafe.com
“We are really pleased the teams are homologating the vehicles and we will continue to work with them in that regard.
Numerous rumours hint at Ford Australia providing technical assistance to teams running the Falcon FG X V8 Supercar in 2015, but that it would withdraw financial support.
The speculation comes after a report published by The Daily Telegraph suggesting Ford wouldn’t provide financial backing to reigning Bathurst 1000 champions, Ford Performance Racing or the Dick Johnson/Penske team.
V8 Supercars CEO James Warburton is quoted by The Daily Telegraph as saying :“We have two teams who will race Ford in 2015 even if they will not be factory backed,’’ he told the paper. “We have consistently made our case to Ford, not only for 2015, but well into the future. They know exactly where we are going and the huge benefits we can deliver.
But, when pressed by Speedcafe.com, Ford boss Graziano declined to comment on speculation the brand would quite V8 Supercars. “Again you are getting into the speculation which I said I’m not going to comment on.
“You just can’t respond to it so that’s where I’m at.”
“Any discussions we have with the team are with them and ourselves and that is not something I’m not prepared to talk about publicly.”
Graziano refused to expand on Ford’s involvement with the FG X V8 Supercar program, which is understood to currently consist of assistance with computer design files and original equipment parts, but not financial support, said Speedcafe.com.
