Post by yolly zubrick on Dec 2, 2005 15:14:25 GMT 7
Ford Focus WRC 2006
[News and Images from wrc.com]
Ford unveils new look for '06
Ford Focus WRCFord has officially unveiled the definitive 2006-spec Focus WRC which will form the backbone of the team's World Rally Championship title bid next year. The car, which is based on the new-look road-going Focus ST, made its debut on this year's Telstra Rally Australia, but these are the first pictures of the car in its 2006 livery.
The car, which has been designed by a team led by renowned rally car designer Christian Loriaux, was unveiled at the Bologna Motor Show today. In attendance were double world champion Marcus Gronholm and rising Finnish star Mikko Hirvonen, who will drive the car in 2006.
"Twelve months ago Ford carried out a long and comprehensive review into the motorsport scene and the company's involvement in it," said Ford motorsport boss Jost Capito. "It showed there was a strong business case for Ford's continued involvement and proposals from the sport's governing body to reduce the costs of competing in the WRC encouraged us to continue long-term.
"What we have unveiled this morning is Ford's future in the WRC. We have a strong and experienced team operating from world-class facilities at M-Sport's Dovenby Hall premises. Now we have the car that we believe will carry us forward to new levels of competitiveness and a driving team that is capable of bringing world titles to Ford."
Ford Focus WRCFord has officially unveiled the definitive 2006-spec Focus WRC which will form the backbone of the team's World Rally Championship title bid next year. The car, which is based on the new-look road-going Focus ST, made its debut on this year's Telstra Rally Australia, but these are the first pictures of the car in its 2006 livery.
The car, which has been designed by a team led by renowned rally car designer Christian Loriaux, was unveiled at the Bologna Motor Show today. In attendance were double world champion Marcus Gronholm and rising Finnish star Mikko Hirvonen, who will drive the car in 2006.
"Twelve months ago Ford carried out a long and comprehensive review into the motorsport scene and the company's involvement in it," said Ford motorsport boss Jost Capito. "It showed there was a strong business case for Ford's continued involvement and proposals from the sport's governing body to reduce the costs of competing in the WRC encouraged us to continue long-term.
"What we have unveiled this morning is Ford's future in the WRC. We have a strong and experienced team operating from world-class facilities at M-Sport's Dovenby Hall premises. Now we have the car that we believe will carry us forward to new levels of competitiveness and a driving team that is capable of bringing world titles to Ford."
[News and Images from wrc.com]