Despite having turned its back on F1, having opted to sell Jaguar Racing and Cosworth Racing, Ford remains committed to motorsport.

The company has revealed its entry in the 2006 WRC - an all-new Focus - and also admitted that it is developing a Focus for the forthcoming World Touring Car Championship, though it's not known if it will run in the (2005) inaugural championship.

Speaking today, Jost Capito, director of Ford Team RS, said: "We believe that the infrastructure is now in place for us to move forward and build a team capable of bringing world titles to Ford."

At a time when the American giant is completely severing its ties with F1, for many the pinnacle of motor sport, Capito revealed that Ford will remain in the WRC for at least four more years.

"A four-year programme allows us the opportunity to develop the new Focus into a challenger for WRC success," he said. "Development of the car will begin immediately and run alongside our existing WRC commitments throughout the 2005 season."

Following the F1 decision, there were fears that Ford might turn its back on rallying also.

The truth is that, apart from the relative failure of the Jaguar Racing project, Ford believes that the man in the street relates more to rallying and touring cars, than F1. Furthermore, both disciplines cost considerably less to compete in, even at the highest level.

The fear is, how long before other manufacturers follow suit?