M-Sport Ltd has revealed a changed livery of its Ford Fiesta for the 2020 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), on Thursday.
M-Sport became the first WRC team to reveal its livery for the 2020 season as graphic designer Phil Dixon presented new combination abode the Ford Fiesta, which is to be driven by Finnish pair of Teemu Suninen and Esapekka Lappi.
Dixon has drew inspiration from ‘print designs of the early-to-mid 90s’, where the Fiestas will have a modern-retro theme. It offers a white design with mix of blue and green to represent the close partnership with Ford as well as increased support from Castrol.
The British outfit also revealed its list of partners supporting their 2020 WRC campaign, which includes MS‑RT, Michelin, Sparco, OZ Racing, NGK, Lazer, Stilo, Acronis, Endless, Audes, Eibach and SWP – all featuring on the cars.
The team stated that the photos of the new were taken in the M-Sport Evaluation Centre, which is nearing completion. They completed the construction of 2.5 kilometre test track last year, with the focus on the adjoining 10,723 m2 workshop.
Graphic Designer, Dixon, said: “My initial inspiration came from François Delecour’s 1995 Ford Escort RS Cosworth. White cars have always been popular, and with the increased support from Castrol that colour scheme was spot on.
“In general, the whole design has a nod to the early-to-mid 90s. The patterns and fashions of the era are really prevalent at the moment, so I was interested to create something in that style whilst still being on-trend and relevant today.”
M-Sport Team Principal, Richard Millener, added: “Phil is a real talent so it’s not surprising to see his designs become fan favourites year after year. This year he’s captured a sense of nostalgia in something totally modern and inventive, and I have to say that it’s one of my favourites.
“It’s great to see our close relationship with Ford well represented, as well as the increased support from Castrol. Many of our existing partners are also proudly displayed, and the livery looks even better close up. I hope many of you will be able to get out into the forests and service parks to see it for yourselves!”
Managing Director, Malcolm Wilson OBE, said: “Like every rally fan, I look forward to seeing our new livery and I have to say that the team have done a fantastic job this year. Rallying is at the heart of our business, and we have built a team that I am immensely proud of.
“But if we want to continue it’s important to diversify, and the M-Sport Evaluation Centre offers exactly that. Northern Developments are making great progress, and we are creating a fantastic facility where industry leaders from the motorsport and automotive sectors will have everything they need to follow a concept from design to production.
“I truly believe that we have something special at M-Sport, and this new development is only going to build on that – promoting Dovenby Hall as a unique centre of engineering excellence.”
Here’s details of the M-Sport line-up for 2020 WRC season
Pirelli is the sole supplier of tyres in WRC from 2021