The announcement, made at Ford of Europe’s headquarters in Cologne, Germany, earlier this afternoon, is a huge boost to the WRC following months of uncertainty surrounding Ford’s ongoing participation in the ultimate motorsport adventure series.

It comes on the back of Ford inking a two-year extension to its existing deal with British preparation firm M-Sport, which will continue to operate Ford’s factory team in the WRC. The squad, which has secured a two-year sponsorship deal with Castrol, will be renamed Ford World Rally Team.

Ford of Europe chairman and CEO Stephen Odell said: “Ford has a rich history in world rallying and we’re excited to continue fighting for titles on the world stage with our great partners at M-Sport. WRC is a great fit with the Ford brand DNA of precise handling, fun-to-drive cars with leading technology and we’ll continue to leverage rallying to inspire innovation in future vehicles and reach new audiences.”

Latvala’s elevation to team leader following Mikko Hirvonen’s departure to rival outfit Citroen is fitting reward for another impressive world championship campaign during which he won more special stages than any other driver. His fellow Finn Miikka Anttila will continue to co-drive.

Solberg’s return to Ford following an absence of almost 12 years has been considered a foregone conclusion after the former world champion confirmed he would no longer be prepared to campaign a privateer entry in the WRC. Chris Patterson will co-drive the Norwegian as part of the pair’s one-year deal with Ford.

“We have a great team with M-Sport and its leader, Malcolm Wilson, and in Jari-Matti Latvala we have one of motorsport’s rising stars,” said Ford of Europe motorsport chief Gerard Quinn. “The addition of Petter Solberg to the team brings one of the sport’s most experienced and flamboyant drivers back to the team where he started his top-level career.”

Solberg is currently in France testing with Ford in preparation for the opening event of the 2012 WRC season, Rallye Monte-Carlo.

Courtesy: http://www.wrc.com/news/ford-confirms-wrc-entry/?fid=15876