All new Fiesta R2 embarks on European odyssey
Following its successful debut at Rally d’Italia Sardegna last month the all-new Ford Fiesta R2 rally car is set to embark on a Europe-wide tour next week, taking in 14 different countries with FST International Shootout winner Matthias Boon (BEL) at the wheel.The R2, with its striking red and white livery, successfully completed Rally d’Italia Sardegna as a course safety car before heading to the Chatsworth Rally Show where current FST UK contender Craig Breen won the opportunity to give the car its first British public introduction.

The R2 has been designed to replace the hugely successful Fiesta ST rally car, which has sold around 280 kits in 27 different countries around the globe and has taken 16 class wins in 21 WRC events since 2006. The new vehicle is targeted at competitors in the Fiesta SportTrophy series, as well as in regional rally championships and is sure to garner plenty of interest as it is launched across Europe at a series of roadshows.

The first will take place in Lommel, Belgium following the Ypres Rally next weekend and the car will then visit Germany before arriving at Rally Poland.

Slovenia, Italy, France, Portugal, Sweden and Finland will all host drive over the summer months. And, as well as stops in the UK and Ireland, the car will also visit Estonia, Latvia and Austria.

The knowledge gained from the GpN Fiesta ST and the world-title winning Ford Focus RS WRC has been transferred to the creation of the Fiesta R2 under the leadership of M-Sport’s Principal Engineer Chris Williams, who was also responsible for the design of the Fiesta ST.

The five-speed Fiesta R2 rally car is based on the Ford Fiesta Sport (Zetec S in the UK and Ireland) using the 1.6L Ti-Vct 120PS (1598cc) base engine as in regular production. It is built from a standard conversion kit developed by M-Sport.

The kit to convert the car to rally specification includes engine parts to increase the engine performance including pistons, conrods, camshafts, valve springs, injectors, airbox, air filter, spark plugs and a sump baffle kit. The gearbox has been replaced for a sequential shift unit with a limited slip differential, along with upgraded brakes and Reiger suspension.

Beyond these specific items, the intention is for the car to use as many standard components from other Ford road vehicles in order to reduce costs for the competitor. Standard conversion kits will be available from M-Sport or an appointed national sales outlet. M-Sport managing director Malcolm Wilson said:

“We have been delighted with the response that we have received to the Fiesta R2 since its launch in Sardinia. Its predecessor, the GpN ST, has been a hugely successful and popular rally car around the globe and we are sure that the Fiesta R2 will be equally well-received thanks to the experience and knowledge that has gone into creating it. Along with the S2000 Fiesta, which is currently under development at M-Sport, the Fiesta R2 provides an important opportunity for rally competitors to graduate from grass roots level to WRC using Ford vehicles. These roadshows are an excellent opportunity for drivers to be one of the first in their country to experience the Fiesta R2 and we are looking forward to seeing the response that it generates from across Europe.”

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Ypres 2008 Finland 2008 Finland 2008 Finland 2008