Ford has confirmed that it will continue with its World Rally Championship (WRC) participation in 2012 and 2013. As before the company will use the Fiesta RS World Rally Car.

The racers will be prepared by M-Sport, Ford's rally partner since 1997. Finland's Jari-Matti Latvala and co-driver Miikka Anttila will lead the team in 2012. The second car will be driven by Petter Solberg and Chris Patterson who have signed a one-year agreement to compete in all 13 rounds of next year's championship. This is Solberg's second stint with Ford, having launched his world rally career with the team in 1999.

The squad has been named Ford World Rally Team. Castrol continues as sponsor for 2012 and 2013.

In 2011 the Fiesta proved successful in both the first and final rounds of the WRC. Ford hopes to build on that success next year.

Commenting on what WRC participation means to the company Ford of Europe's senior manager for motorsport, Gerard Quinn, said: "The WRC is motorsport's toughest competition for production-based cars. Through WRC, we can convey the attributes of our road vehicles and send a clear message to our customers and fans about Ford's passion and expertise."