BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team runs for Sport Relief

BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team will take to the streets of León in Mexico next week to raise money for UK-based charity, Sport Relief.  FIA World Rally Championship leaders Mikko Hirvonen and Jarmo Lehtinen will swap their Focus RS WRC for running shoes as they tackle the Coca-Cola Street Stage in León on foot with the support of team mates Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila.

 

In a bid to complete the famous Sport Relief Mile they will take to the 1.5km Street Stage on Thursday 4 March with BP Ford Abu Dhabi team management, engineers, technicians and even the team chef. 

 

They will be joined by Stobart M-Sport Ford drivers Henning Solberg and Ilka Minor, Matthew Wilson and Scott Martin, Munchi’s Ford drivers Federico Villagra and Jorge Perez Companc and new to the Ford line-up for 2010, Monster drivers Ken Block and Alex Gelsomino.

 

Ford drivers will be running in Sport Relief t-shirts for this event – designed by England football star David Beckham and his family. 

 

"I’m really looking forward to getting out there with the whole team and doing something for charity.  We raised money for Comic Relief last year and I hope we can raise even more for Sport Relief this year.  Running isn’t my strong point, but I’m up for the challenge.  I’m a better boxer than a runner I think!  I also need to beat Jarmo or I have to buy him dinner!" said 29-year-old Hirvonen.

 

What is Sport Relief?

In 2010, Sport Relief is raising money to help people living unimaginably tough lives both in the UK and across the world.  Three major issues are being highlighted this year – Street and Working Children, Malaria and local projects in the UK.  Money raised helps to provide safe places for children to live, get nutritious meals, an education and supports them as they cope with their difficult lives living on the streets.

 

How can you support us?

If you would like to support the team in their bid to raise money for this great cause, then you can do so at http://www.mysportrelief.com/fordrallyteam

 

Photocall

This event will take place on the Coca-Cola Street Stage in León at 14.30 local time on Thursday 4 March.  The team will run the stage in reverse direction and a team photoshoot will be held at 14.30 at the stage finish.

 

Images

These will be available on Thursday afternoon at www.worldrallypics.com/ford

 

For more information: Contact Mark Wilford or Georgina Finney at the BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team media desk in León Tel: + 52 477 771 4961.