Wilson: Ford exit could cost 100 jobs.

Ford rally boss Malcolm Wilson has admitted that the uncertainty over the Blue Oval's future in the World Rally Championship is causing him to put staff at the M-Sport operation on possible redundancy notice.

The US giant has yet to make a firm decision on whether it will be involved in next year's WRC on a part- or full-time basis, or whether it is to withdraw completely to focus on solely on its Formula One commitment, which could see Ford replace Jaguar in the world championship. Although Wilson is still talking to the decision-makers, he admits that he has yet to prise an answer from them, and has revealed that the cessation of the WRC project could cost around a hundred jobs at his Cumbrian base.

"I think everyone is aware that I flew back from Japan [to have talks with Ford and,] since then, we have been looking at all aspects to find a solution to keep Ford in the world championship," he told journalists ahead of the Wales Rally GB, "It's fair to say that, at this moment in time, we haven't got that - but we are working at all sorts of different avenues.

"[Ford pulling out] is something I don't really want to think about because, as you can imagine, we wouldn't be in a position to keep a number of people employed and being perfectly honest we'd be looking to lose 100 people based on a customer business and then we'd have to start looking for other areas of business."

Wilson tried hard to look on the positive side, however, and insisted that any decision to continue would ensure M-Sport's involvement for future.

"I think that, if we can find a solution, at least it will be for the long-term," he insisted, "We're looking at a four-year project, because we have a new car to develop and the investment required to do that means that we'd need to stay in the sport for a reasonable length of time. That's a positive aspect, but I think, being realistic, it's probably looking at end of September, early October before a decision is made."

Wilson has already been forced to release promising Belgian youngster Francois Duval onto the driver market and, with Ford dithering, is poised to lose title contender Markko Martin to a rival operation as well.

"Francois had a clause in his contract in that, if we couldn't commit to the whole world championship the following year, we had to notify him and release him," the former driver explained, "As we're not in a position to make a decision about going forward, to be fair to him, we had to release him. It's the last thing I wanted to do because, at the end of the day, we've worked with Francois for the last two or three years, and I think it's there for everyone to see that he's the most improved driver in the championship this year. For sure, if we can find a way to stay in - and if he hasn't found anyone else - then I'll certainly be the first person to come knocking on his door.

"Markko is in a similar situation, in that the option on him runs out at the end of September. So, I think its fair to say that, at this moment in time, he will be in a similar situation to Francois."

Asked whether he had made any decisions regarding his own future, Duval confirmed that he had yet to sign a new deal with anyone, but hopes to remain in the top flight.

"I hope I will get a new drive in a WRC car - and I hope I won't come back in the Super 16," he insisted, "For the rest, I hope Ford continue next year. It's better for the world championship - and for Malcolm. For me, there isn't too much contact at present. Perhaps after Carlos [Sainz]'s' decision, there will be more information..."

Citroen boss Guy Frequelin was not able to confirm Sainz's future plans for the Belgian, but admitted that he would rather see Ford remain in the series.

"I think it's very very important to keep a big brand like Ford in the world championship," the Frenchman stressed, "It's very important for Malcolm, and it's very important for the championship."