Since the beginning of 2008, Ford of Europe has reinforced the importance of the company's motorsport and performance vehicle business by appointing two leaders to manage the programmes. Engineering department Ford TeamRS oversees all of Ford of Europe’s Performance Vehicle development, whilst the newly created FordMotorsport department looks after all of Ford of Europe's race and rally activities, of which the World Rally Championship plays the main role. Mark Deans assumed the role of Motorsport Director at the beginning of 2008, Jost Capito being simultaneously appointed to the role of Performance Vehicle Line Director, Ford TeamRS.

“The BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team is enjoying another successful season in WRC, having won the Manufacturers’ Title in both 2006 and 2007.” said John Fleming, Ford of Europe’s President and CEO. “These new appointments will send a signal that we are seriously committed to continuing that success, and that we are developing plans to take our Motorsport programme even further, including strengthening the links between our competition vehicles and our performance road vehicles.”