Al-Rajhi to contest SWRC in 2012

Simon Jean-Joseph has today confirmed a collaboration with M-Sport Ltd. to support Yazeed Al-Rajhi behind the wheel of a Ford Fiesta RS Regional Rally Car (RRC) in the 2012 edition of the WRC’s official support series, the S-WRC.

Al-Rajhi, who secured victory on every round he entered in the FIA’s Middle East Rally Championship back in 2010, has shown consistent improvement throughout 2011 in various events throughout Europe. Driving an M-Sport run Ford Fiesta S2000, the Saudi Arabian took to the stages of Wales Rally GB in November alongside experienced co-driver, Michael Orr.

This year will see the pairing make a welcome return to the world stage together with Simon Jean-Joseph.

With a pedigree of rallying talent and experience behind him, Al Rajhi is in good hands as he embarks upon his 2012 campaign. Double European Rally Champion, Simon Jean-Joseph, brings vast experience to the team including competitive knowledge of the WRC having contested the 1999 Championship as an official driver for the Ford team in a Focus WRC. Elsewhere, M-Sport’s long partnership with Ford continues to provide the very best technical support both on and off the stage.

Commencing in Sweden, Al-Rajhi will contest seven rounds of the S-WRC in Portugal, New Zealand, Finland, Wales, France and Spain with a Ford Fiesta RS RRC. A variant of the Ford Fiesta RS WRC, M-Sport’s RRC shares the same DNA as its WRC counterpart, but with a 30mm engine restrictor and aerodynamic modifications to comply with both regional and S-WRC regulations.

Commenting on the newly announced agreement, Simon Jean-Joseph said:
“I am delighted to return to the team [M-Sport] that prompted my first involvement in the WRC back in the days of the Focus. This is a fantastic opportunity for Yazeed [Al-Rajhi], and I am sure he will take full advantage of the experience.”

M-Sport Managing Director, Malcolm Wilson OBE said:
“It is great to welcome both Simon [Jean-Joseph] and Yazeed [Al-Rajhi] back to the team for 2012. Simon formed an integral part of the team in our first season with the Focus and I am keen to build on the collaboration we made with Yazeed at Rally GB. This will be an exciting year for both of them and I am looking forward to seeing how they progress.”