The latest Focus will be Ford's official entry in touring car races around the world. It will make its debut in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) next year.
The news was announced at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas. Ford's global motorsports group will work with private race teams to develop the Focus for a large number of regional and national events. The specifications are based on the FIA Super 2000 regulations.
Ford also promises that the lessons learned in developing the racing car will feed back to the new production Focus ST, due in 2012. Both the track and road cars will use the company's EcoBoost engine technology.
As well as the BTCC, Ford's global motorsport ambitions for the Focus include the China Touring Car Championship and 24-hour events like the annual Nürburgring endurance race.
John Lambert - 3 Nov 2010