Ford Fiesta Rally Car Spied

As the economic crisis hit the automobile industry, certain manufacturers were forced to scrap a few of their popular programs in an effort to save a few bucks and make their board of directors happy. One particular racing series that felt the blow from the lack of racing enthusiasm was the World Rally Championship. Many of the sports long time runners have dropped out of competition for financial reasons, leaving the field quite empty. Thanks to the world’s best automotive magazine, Car, who recently released a few snap shots of Ford’s upcoming rally racing version of the Fiesta conducting an initial shakedown run in Cumbria, we can rest assured knowing that at least one automaker is thinking of a future competing in the adrenaline filled world of international off road racing.

This particular flared and caged Ford Fiesta has been developed over the past six months by M-Sport, the company responsible for producing Ford’s current WRC Focus, with the intention of campaigning in the FIA’s S2000 category. The class has been designed for naturally aspirated production cars that make up to 270 HP, while a full fledged WRC car is allowed a turbocharger and additional aerodynamic aids. So with a little bit of boost and a few oversized wings, the S2000 Fiesta could be up to WRC specification. M-Sport managing director Malcolm Wilson said, “The important thing now is that we undertake a strong test and development campaign in order to provide our customers with the best possible S2000 package… I’m sure that this car will also provide a very strong base for Ford’s next generation WRC car.”

Now the only question that remains to be asked is whether or not Ford will come out with a street version of their WRC hopeful. A new Fiesta being sold with wildly flared fenders and low profile tires would certainly inspire a few other new car shoppers to consider Ford’s new compact hatch as their city car of choice, especially with a newfound high performance attitude.