Latvala, Solberg to lead Ford's world rally push

Ford have announced a new two-year commitment to the world rally championship (WRC), with Finland's Jari-Matti Latvala and Norwegian Petter Solberg set to lead their push for an elusive world title. Solberg on Thursday completed a series of tests in a Ford Fiesta RS in the rugged Ardeche region of France with a view to the season-opening Monte Carlo rally on January 17-22. It ended with the 37-year-old Norwegian, the world champion in 2003, signing a one-year deal to become Ford's number two driver, Latvala moving up to number one following the departure of Finn Mikko Hirvonen to Citroen. Since Solberg's 2003 triumph Frenchman Sebastien Loeb has dominated the WRC, winning eight successive titles. Solberg had spent the past three seasons as a privateer driving Citroen cars (Xsara, C4, DS3) in the WRC following the pull-out of his former team Subaru. Ford team principal Gerard Quinn, who had been hesitant to commit further to the championship, is now hoping the Norwegian's experience pays dividends. Solberg is "one of the most experienced and flamboyant drivers in rallying and his 13 WRC wins, and world title in 2003, are testament to his capabilities," said Quinn. "He is a major addition to our team." Ford, however, will look to Latvala to end Citroen and Loeb's long reign. The 26-year-old was the runner-up to the unstoppable Frenchman in 2010 and finished fourth overall in the championship last month following his breakthrough victory in the final rally of the season in Britain (Wales). Having often sacrificed his own chances for former stablemate Hirvonen, he will spearhead Ford's bid for a drivers' title they have not won since 1981 when Finland's Ari Vatanen powered an Escort RS 1800 to victory.