M-Sport and the BP-Ford World Rally Team have received the prestigious Rally Business of the Year Award on Thursday evening at the Motorsport Industry Association’s (MIA) Business Excellence Awards dinner held at the Autosport International Show, NEC, Birmingham.

M-Sport Managing Director Malcolm Wilson was presented the award in front of some 500 representatives of the international motorsport community. “To be recognised by members of the elite motorsport industry is something special and it’s great to accept this award after such a successful 2007 season,” said an extremely gratified Wilson.

With all motorsport companies eligible for the award and votes placed by members of the MIA, the win demonstrates the respect and support M-Sport has from industry peers. The award has been a testament to the team who, for the second year running, have taken Ford to number one in the FIA World Rally Championship for Manufacturers.

“It’s an honour to receive this award as it truly represents the effort and dedication by each member of the team to bring Ford its second Manufacturers’ title with M-Sport,” added Wilson.

First presented in 1995 the MIA Awards were created to recognise excellence at al levels within the motorsport and high performance engineering industry. Seven key categories were awarded on the night, which saw BBC sports presenter Garry Richardson as guest speaker.