Ford's marketing decision not to continue with V8 Supercars from 2016, effectively closing the door on more than 50 years of proud racing heritage, does not spell the end of the Blue Oval on the grid.

Ford announced today that it would withdraw support of its one factory team after next year when six Falcons will contest the 2015 Championship.

V8 Supercars hopes the Ford brand will continue in the sport beyond 2016 with our without support from HQ, as has Ford's most loyal team Dick Johnson Racing which next year will become DJR Team Penske. Ironically racing royalty Roger Penske, like Johnson, is also a Ford loyalist.

Ford's star driver Mark Winterbottom currently sits second in the Championship after a heated battle with Jamie Whincup this season, which saw him earn four race wins, while his Pepsi Max Crew teammate Chaz Mostert won the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 with Paul Morris.

It was FPR's second straight victory at Bathurst, one of the world's greatest races.

"Some time ago, we called on Ford to clarify their position for 2016 - which they have now done," V8 Supercars CEO James Warburton said.

"Clearly we are disappointed in their decision to cease financial support for FPR beyond 2015. Disappointed for the fans who have so passionately supported the brand for so many years. Disappointed for the team, drivers and other partners who have worked so hard for the Ford brand.

"We understand things are tough at Ford at the moment, but were hopeful they would continue to see the enormous brand value our sport has to them, not to mention decades of Blue Oval racing heritage - particularly at a time when we are growing so strongly.

"The good news for our fans is that there will still be six Falcons on the grid in 2015. With many of our teams being privateers, with no factory support, we are confident that there will be Fords on the grid in 2016 and beyond. In any case, we look forward to welcoming Ford back to our sport at some time in the future."

Click here for comments from Ford Australia marketing chief David Katic.

Click here for the team's reaction, with comments from Tim Edwards and Rod Nash.