M-Sport makes up almost 50 per cent of Rally de Portugal entry

M-Sport's range of Ford Fiesta rally car will make up an impressive 49 per cent of the Rally de Portugal entry.

Drivers representing 22 different countries will line-up for tomorrow's start behind the wheel of six Ford Fiesta RS WRCs, five Ford Fiesta RRCs, two Ford Fiesta S2000s, 14 Ford Fiesta R5s and 15 Ford Fiesta R2s.

M-Sport managing director, Malcolm Wilson OBE, said: "It's extremely satisfying to see so many of our cars here this weekend. In 2005, Ford tasked us with developing a 'Ladder of Opportunity' which would allow drivers to progress from grass-root to top-level rallying with a range of Ford rally cars. To see this initiative going from strength to strength, and culminating with such an impressive entry here in Portugal, is fantastic.

"Today, we have close to 1,000 Ford Fiesta and Ford Focus rally cars competing around the globe, and we will continue to work closely with our valued partners and customers to ensure this success - as well as success on the stages - can only continue."