Ford Rallye Sport returns to Michelin tyres.

Ford Rallye Sport will change tyre partner for the 2003 FIA World Rally Championship season and run its Ford Focus RS World Rally Cars on Michelin rubber for the next three years.

The Focus used the French company's tyres for two seasons following the car's debut in 1999.

Team director Malcolm Wilson said Ford had one year remaining of its contract with Italian tyre supplier Pirelli but following amicable discussions between both parties it was agreed to take an option to terminate the agreement.

"We have enjoyed two successful years with Pirelli and thank them for their support. Together we have made some major improvements and this has seen us finish runner-up in the world championship for two years in a row as well as winning six rounds during this time," said Wilson.

"The World Rally Championship is Ford Motor Company's premier global motorsport activity and as such we have some exciting plans for the future. We felt it was in the best interests of all parties to utilise this option now and enable us to renew our development links with Michelin," he said.

Ford and Michelin enjoyed a successful partnership at the beginning of the marque's modern-day World Championship attack, winning ten events together with the Escort RS Cosworth and Escort WRC, between 1993 and 1997. The two companies worked very closely on the development of the Focus WRC, notching a further five victories in 1999 and 2000.

The 2003 season will see Ford fulfil its promise to bring forward young driver talent when it will be represented by Belgium's Francois Duval, Estonia's Markko Martin and new signing Mikko Hirvonen from Finland.

Michelin's Director of Motorsport, Pierre Dupasquier commented: "It would have been difficult for us to refuse Ford's request, particularly given our close relationship in Formula One and on the business front. Mitsubishi's decision to concentrate on development in 2003 made it easier logistically to respond favourably and we look forward to working with Malcolm Wilson and all the team again."

Ford will join Michelin's other 2003 WRC partners, Citroen, Hyundai, Peugeot and Skoda, with Mitsubishi working on the development of its 2004 challenger. Michelin has won a record 192 WRC victories and has a total of 33 world titles in rallying to its name: 16 Drivers' titles including 2002 Champion Marcus Gronholm and 17 Manufacturers' Championships including the last three with Peugeot.