Ford Focus RS WRC

Lore & Background

The first version of the car was built in 1999 to replace the Ford Escort WRC. It debuted in the Monte Carlo Rally with Colin McRae and Simon Jean-Joseph driving, setting many fastest stage times, but the use of an illegal water pump led to exclusion from the event. McRae gave the Focus its first win two events later on the Safari Rally Kenya, finishing over 15 minutes ahead of the second-placed Toyota of Didier Auriol. Despite coming close, the car never won either the drivers or manufacturers title in its early years; McRae lost the 2001 title by 2 points after crashing out of the final round.

In 2003, Ford released a newly designed Focus RS WRC 03 with a lighter body shell and new aerodynamically enhanced front bumper and wing. Markko Märtin drove it to two world rally victories. The 2004 and 2005 models were evolutions of the 03; the 04 won three events with Märtin, but by 2005 the car was no longer very competitive and Ford had a winless season. From the last rally of 2005, Ford campaigned the Focus RS WRC 06, using a Duratec motor developed by Pipo Moteur. In the hands of Marcus Grönholm and Mikko Hirvonen, it took eight wins in 2006, winning Ford's first manufacturers' championship since 1979.

The Focus RS WRC 07, based on the 2006 model, focused on weight saving and improved efficiency. It debuted at the 2007 Rally Finland with Grönholm and Hirvonen finishing first and second, and Ford successfully defended the manufacturers' championship in 2007. The car made history at the 2008 Swedish Rally when Jari-Matti Latvala became the youngest-ever driver to win a world rally. The Focus RS WRC 08, with new front aero design and engine improvements, won only at the 2008 Rally Japan. The 2009 version debuted at the 2009 Rally d'Italia Sardegna, leading Ford to a 1-2 finish, and remained the last Focus-based WRC car, replaced by the Ford Fiesta RS WRC after 2010.

Reader's Guide

The Ford Focus RS WRC appeared in 173 World Rally Championship events, winning 44 and collecting 142 podium places. Its significance lies in ending a long drought for Ford, securing the manufacturer's first world title since 1979 with the 2006 championship, and successfully defending it in 2007. The car's development spanned over a decade, with each iteration—from the 1999 debut through the 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, and 09 models—reflecting incremental improvements in weight, aerodynamics, and engine performance. The Focus RS WRC was driven by notable drivers including Colin McRae, Marcus Grönholm, Mikko Hirvonen, Markko Märtin, and Jari-Matti Latvala, the latter setting a record as the youngest WRC winner. The car's legacy is that of a consistent front-runner that brought Ford back to championship glory before being succeeded by the Fiesta RS WRC.

Did You Know?

• The Focus RS WRC won 44 world rallies and 142 podium places across 173 events.
• Colin McRae gave the Focus its first win at the 1999 Safari Rally Kenya, finishing over 15 minutes ahead of second place.
• Jari-Matti Latvala became the youngest-ever WRC winner driving a Focus RS WRC at the 2008 Swedish Rally.
• The 2009 Focus RS WRC used a Ford 1998cc Pipo-built I4 Duratec engine with a Garrett turbocharger.