You'll be amazed

Wheeler Dealer
By Phil Giles
August 27 2003

A funny little story has appeared on the official Jordan F1 website with some potentially major repercussions for the world of Formula One. Ford and Mazda have announced a restructure of it's top staff in the Far East.

The Asian-Pacific car manufacturers have a large presence in the sport, what with Honda and Toyota making regular appearances on the grid. 

Ford of course has it's own presence on the grid, what with the Jordan Ford deal for this year and with the Jaguar marque, however are they about to break the Honda and Toyota grip over the East with a re-branding of Jordan Ford to Jordan Mazda?

The story that appears on Jordan's site doesn't say anything about Mazda's sporting aspirations, however the announcement of a major shake up and new appointments at Ford seem to focus on their subsidiary.

The website quotes Richard Parry-Jones, group vice president, product development, and chief technical officer and a member of the Mazda Advisory Board, saying, "The Mazda global line-up has never been better, and the new team is in great shape to see the benefits from the work that has been done. We're very pleased with the progress Mazda has made."

Could the story hint towards a possible re-brand for the team and a major sponsorship injection from Ford?  Are Ford looking for a major presence in the Far East?  What with the Chinese Grand Prix about to be staged and the potential for an enormous amount of exposure for the team, it really wouldn't surprise.

It's probably nothing but it got me thinking.

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