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Front Page
Ford's Testing and Development on Track for Australian Rally Championship
Staff, Monday August 8, 2005.
Page 1 of 1
This is the first official rally entry for Ford in Australian domestic competition since the early 1980's. The weapon of choice will be the all-new Focus model.
Ford Racing engineers have also been implementing plans for the future direction of V8 Supercars and Formula Ford. Ford is unrivalled with its commitment to Australian motor racing.
"All our Ford Racing programs have been developing at a rapid pace," said Ford Racing Manager Ross Booth.
"Between the V8 Supercar Racing program, the new Fiesta engine for Formula Ford and the new Focus RS Rally program, our team has been working around the clock.
"The good news is that our Ford TeamRS program is now just weeks away from hitting the gravel tracks for a full testing program.
"The popularity of the all-new Focus in Australia has been a great precursor to its debut in rally competition.
"Ford hasn't been involved in domestic rallying for nearly 25 years. We are building Ford TeamRS from the ground up, including the car and all the infrastructure around the program such as personnel, service equipment, workshop space and logistics.
"Ford has been working with commercial partners over the last few months. Their enthusiasm for our new rally program has been outstanding. They recognise that you can't simply flick a switch on something as significant as this. Like us, they only want us to debut when the car is absolutely ready to go."
Ford TeamRS driver Michael Guest is looking forward to the testing program.
"It's going to be a strong package, I have no doubt about that," said Guest.
"Ford has some of the best people in the business putting this program together. I've been fortunate to work with a number of teams and people in rallying over the years and this group is one of the best.
"I can't wait for the first opportunity to drive the Focus. I've been driving the road version for a little while now and it's a great machine. The rally version will be just sensational."
Ford Racing Engineering Manager Steve Hoinville has been heading up the Focus rally program.
"The new Focus is a totally different car from the one it replaces," said Hoinville.
"We have been learning a lot about its mechanical detail since we received our first production vehicle.
"Preparing the car to CAMS Group N(P) prototype regulations has required us to establish the car's specification from first principles. This alone has been quite demanding on those involved in the program.
"In saying that, we are pleased with where we are at with the car from an engineering point of view. All the major systems are now complete and it's a matter of finalising ancillary details for the assembly and getting it on the road.
"Ford's commitment to the GARC is long-term. Therefore our engineering program has been a far greater exercise than merely producing one rally car.
"The actual testing phase not only includes the running of the car, but also the evaluation on components such as tyres and suspension. All facets of the car are clearly important during the testing and development program."
Technical specification will be finalised after the completion of the testing program. Once that is done an announcement on the car's debut will be made.
For Further information contact:
Ben Beazley
Media Coordinator
Ford Racing Australia
Phone: 03 9359 8190
Mobile: 0417 262 753
Email: bbeazle3@ford.com
