Ford in Formula One

In the 1920's Ford raced at the Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, and in the 1930's were victorious at the Monte Carlo Rally.  Following this Ford's motorsport effort intensified through the 1950' and 60's.

In 1967, Ford made the move into Grand Prix racing with the introduction of a Formula One engine with Cosworth. Making its race-winning debut in the Dutch Grand Prix, the Ford-Cosworth DFV V8 developed its own legend, and became the most successful F1 power unit of all time. In 1973, DFV engines won all 15 rounds of the series, and over a 16-year period, the DFV claimed victory in 155 World Championship F1 races.

In recent years, Cosworth has developed many successful racecar engines on Ford's behalf. In F1, the narrow-angle HB V8 succeeded the DFV, its career culminating in six victories in the 1993 F1 season – five by Ayrton Senna's McLaren. A new V8 engine, the 3.5-litre Zetec-R V8, was used by Benetton-Ford in 1994, when Michael Schumacher won eight of the season's 16 races, capturing the Drivers' Championship for the first time.

Ford and Cosworth then designed a series of 3.0 litre V10s, the latest 800bhp-plus power units being acknowledged as some of the lightest and most powerful engines in F1.

Today, Ford is determined to be a front-running performer in everything it undertakes. With 100 years of motorsport success already under its belt, future plans are progressive.

Ford of Europe’s involvement in F1 is overseen by Jost Capito, Director of Motorsport.

www.fordracing.net