Ford dumps Duval?

[P-DOGG]

I was on my way to work this morning and on the radio they we saying that the ford wrc team will not be picking up Duval's contract next year. I was wondering if anybody else has heard about this?

[Sponsor]

[CKA]

Nope, 1st time I heard.

[crazy_urn]

Ford to release Duval from contract at end of year


Ford Motor Company is to release François Duval from his contract to drive for the team in the FIA World Rally Championship at the end of this season. The 23-year-old Belgian has driven for Ford since the beginning of 2003.

Given the ongoing review over Ford's WRC future beyond the end of this season, the company informed Duval that it could not guarantee him a full WRC programme for 2005 by the end of August and he would be free to talk to other teams.

FordTeamRS director Jost Capito said: "If we continue in WRC next year we would very much like to have François and his co-driver, Stéphane Prévot, on board. However, as we are not in a position to give a commitment to them right now, we agreed with François to release him in order not to deny him the opportunity to further his WRC career.

"François has contributed much to Ford's WRC programme and, this season especially, has been a solid and consistent points scorer for the team. Ford would like to thank François and Stéphane for their efforts and wish them both the best of luck for the future," added Capito.

from rally-action.com

the part that really hit me:
If we continue in WRC next year we would very much like to have François and his co-driver, Stéphane Prévot, on board. However, as we are not in a position to give a commitment to them right now

does that mean no more Focus WRC team?