Motorbase Performance have unveiled an in-house designed and built Ford Focus RS model for the upcoming 2018 British Touring Car Championship season at the Autosport International Show in Birmingham today [11th January].
The Kent-based outfit, who are also set to announce the rest of their driver lineup this afternoon having already confirmed Tom Chilton in the first of its three cars last month, bring the iconic model back to the UK’s headline tin-top series for the first time in a quarter of a century.
Robb Gravvett notably secured the Class A title back in 1990 behind the wheel of a Ford Sierra Cosworth RS.
“I’m delighted with the new look,” commented Team Principal David Bartrum. “The cars have been upgraded to the RS over the winter which has rejuvenated the Focus. If it goes as well as it looks, then we’ll be very happy by the end of the season.”
“I’m a Ford fan through and through. The RS in my DNA from when I raced RS Cosworth’s back in the day so I’m over the moon to bring them back to the BTCC as part of the Motorbase stable.
“The RS styling suits the BTCC bodywork so well, the styling is really aggressive and has given the Focus a whole new look. The team have done an excellent job over the winter, it’s not just been a case of updating a few bumpers, a lot of development work has gone into this car and we’re confident that the improvements will show on track.
“With the new car, and driver line-up we have in place for 2018, I can’t wait for the season to start.”
The team will retain it’s distinctive red and yellow livery as it enters a second year of association with cereal heavyweight Shredded Wheat, with new backers Gallagher Insurance revising the livery to add their grey branding.
Motorbase head to Spain next month to begin their pre-season testing programe ahead of the series opener at Brands Hatch in April.