Ford rally boss receives UK honour

By Mark Wilford

COLOGNE, Germany – Ford's world rally team director Malcolm Wilson was awarded an OBE (Officer of the British Empire) for his services to British motorsport in The Queen's Birthday Honours list.

The award is one of the highest achievements bestowed by the British monarchy and recognises distinguished achievement in any field at national or regional level.  Wilson will receive his honour from Her Majesty The Queen at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace in London later this year.

Wilson, director of the BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team, led Ford to the manufacturers' world title in the FIA World Rally Championship in 2006 and 2007.

"It's a great honour, and a huge surprise, to be recognised in this way by Her Majesty The Queen," said 53-year-old Wilson, managing director of Cumbrian-based M-Sport, the preparation business which runs Ford's world rally programme.

Ian Slater, vice president, Communications and Public Affairs for Ford of Europe, paid tribute to Wilson.  "I'm delighted that Malcolm's achievements have been recognised in The Queen's Birthday Honours List.  He joins a very select group of British motorsport heroes in being honoured in this way".

Wilson was appointed to run Ford's official world championship rally programme in 1997.  Under his leadership, Ford has twice won the Manufacturers' title with the record-breaking Focus RS World Rally Car and finished second on six occasions.

Since M-Sport was awarded the Ford contract, the team has won 38 world rallies and scored points on 113 consecutive world rallies – a record in itself.