The new global Ford Focus touring car has undergone its final shakedown ahead of its racing debut in the opening rounds of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship at Brands Hatch this weekend.
The cars, developed by Arena International Motorsport, headed to Ford's Dunton Engineering Centre in Essex for some last minute tweaks before the first three races of the season at the Kent track. The cars will form the base for all future Ford global touring cars.
Ford of Europe Motorsport senior manager, Gerard Quinn said: “It's always very satisfying to see privateers taking Ford products and racing with them.
“Just as we can offer a team support in terms of cutting-edge facilities like the Dunton test track, so teams such as Arena can offer us their experience and skill in developing winning race cars. It's a truly collaborative effort.”
Two cars will compete under the Team Aon banner, driven by Tom Chilton and Andy Neate. Chilton, 2010 Independents Drivers Champion, added: “Initial impressions are that it's a lot better than the old car and the old car was a great car. We finished fourth and fifth in the main championship and won the independent championship and that was a good package. This new global Focus is just that little bit better and I'm hoping that this weekend we can put on a good show.”
