Ford Focus ST touring car hits the track
It is early days in the development programme, but the feeling we've got from running today is extremely positive
23 February 2009
Trackside’s Keith Collantine reports on Ford’s return to the BTCC for the first time since 2000.
The Focus ST has appeared in Ford’s distinctive white and blue colour scheme, with the trademark thick lines running along its roof.
The car has been tuned and converted to meet the BTCC’s strict Super 2000 regulations in just three months.
Driver Tom Chilton described the new car as “really impressive”.
Arena team principal Mike Earle said: "We were in the fortunate position of being able to evaluate and choose from any make and model of car that fell within the current Super 2000 regulations and it was an easy decision to opt for the Ford Focus.
“It is dynamically the best donor vehicle to start with and our faith in its potential is already starting to be confirmed. Obviously it is early days in the development programme, but the feeling we've got from running today is extremely positive."
The first race of the 2009 British Touring Car Championship is at Brands Hatch on April 4th.
View our Ford Focus ST slide show:
2009 BTCC calendar
Rounds 1/2/3 - 4-5 April - Brands Hatch, Kent
Rounds 4/5/6 - 25-26 April - Thruxton, Hants
Rounds 7/8/9 - 16-17 May - Donington Park, Leics
Rounds 10/11/12 - 30-31 May - Oulton Park, Cheshire
Rounds 13/14/15 - 13-14 June - Croft, North Yorks
Rounds 16/17/18 - 01-02 August - Snetterton, Norfolk
Rounds 19/20/21 - 15-16 August - Knockhill, Fife
Rounds 22/23/24 - 29-30 August - Silverstone, Northants
Rounds 25/26/27 - 19-20 September - Rockingham, Northants
Rounds 28/29/30 - 03-04 October - Brands Hatch, Kent
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