Focus WRC Thread

[Simmi]

A thread that was used quite a bit on the last forum, thought it might as well go back up here for when it is needed.

And a logical start point for the thread:
http://www.zone.ee/focushistory/

[Jaanus]

It seems that Jon Ingram is selling his Y129 XEV and also S7 FMC is for sale now, the first Focus WRC ever to race with Colin McRae in Monte Carlo 1999.

[Simmi]

Anyone got any info/pics on the 3 cars running in the Bettega Memorial this weekend. 2 Ramsport cars for Mikkelsen and Higgins and M-Sport for Emma Gilmour?

[Simmi]

Turns out Emma Gilmour was in an 02 Focus for the Rallysprint:
http://www.rallylinkserver.com/cgi-bin/ImageFolio4/imageFolio.cgi?action=view&link=Rally/Motorshow_2006/foto_sanguineti&image=-GILMOR.jpg&img=8&tt=

Mark Higgins drove the Ramsport run ET53 URO, the same car Tobias Johansson used here 2 years ago:
http://www.rallylinkserver.com/cgi-bin/ImageFolio4/imageFolio.cgi?action=view&link=Rally/Motorshow_2006/foto_sanguineti&image=-HIGGINS_(1).jpg&img=&tt=

Not sure which of the other 2 cars Andreas used:
http://www.rallylinkserver.com/cgi-bin/ImageFolio4/imageFolio.cgi?action=view&link=Rally/Motorshow_2006/foto_sanguineti&image=-MIKKELSEN_(2).jpg&img=&tt=

Higgins came in 5th, Mikkelsen 6th and Gilmour 8th.

This weekend Massimo Beltrami had (to my knowledge) his first outing in an 03 Focus on the Rally Il Ciocchetto in Errepi Racing EJ02 KMV:
http://www.rallylinkserver.com/cgi-bin/ImageFolio4/imageFolio.cgi?action=view&link=Rally/Ciocchetto_2006/photoruby&image=-0014_(4).jpg&img=&tt=

Does anyone know the reason he retired?

[Jaanus]

Urmo Aava tested Errepi Competition 2003 spec Focus EJ02 KMV yesterday. He said the car is amazing and very easy to drive.
He will test soon the PH Sport Xsara and then decide what WRC car he will use next year in 4 WRC events.

[padWRC]

Urmo Aava tested Errepi Competition 2003 spec Focus EJ02 KMV yesterday. He said the car is amazing and very easy to drive.
He will test soon the PH Sport Xsara and then decide what WRC car he will use next year in 4 WRC events.


Any photos?

[Simmi]

Paddy White is reportedly switching from an Impreza S9 to a Focus for next season. Presumably one of the ones already in Ireland. Irish rally news even speculated that Derek McGarrity could run a Focus when he resumes competition after his injuries clear up.

[Jaanus]

It seems that Gareth MacHale will test his brand new LHD Focus WRC06 this month and hopefully will buy it in time for Monte Carlo.

http://www.irish-rallying.com/article.php?article_id=061218/202517

[ste898]

Anyone got pics from todays test with Heniing and Gareth McHale in the Focus 06?

[Jaanus]

I have now updated my website with a links page. I have mainly put links there where you can buy or hire Focus WRC cars. If anyone knows any company that rents Focus WRC cars and is missing from my links page, then please let me know.

[Simmi]

It seems that there are a few new Focus/driver pairings for the first time today in Ireland on the RSMA Rally of 1000 Entries.

Stephen Moore is debuting his new Focus and Maurice Gass is also driving a Focus in todays charity event. Hopefully there should be some pictures up in the new year.

[Jaanus]

Great news for Ford fans. It seems that the traditional Finnish rally championship opener Arctic Lapland Rally(26.-27.1.2007) will have atleast 1 Focus WRC at the start.
Greek rally driver Ioannis Papadimitriou has registered for the event with his EX02 OBF.

http://www.lapdatasystem.com/tun07/html/i_ilmo.htm

[atsiotras79]

Great news for Ford fans. It seems that the traditional Finnish rally championship opener Arctic Lapland Rally(26.-27.1.2007) will have atleast 1 Focus WRC at the start.
Greek rally driver Ioannis Papadimitriou has registered for the event with his EX02 OBF.

http://www.lapdatasystem.com/tun07/html/i_ilmo.htm

Are the entries closed Jaanus?

[Jaanus]

No they are not, I expect atleast 90 or more entries to the event.

[Simmi]

Stephen Moore debuted his new Focus EK52 NWN this weekend entering both the Turkey Run and the Rally of 1000 Entries in Ireland. Fairly nice paint scheme, hoping for some better pictures soon.

http://ngmotorsportimages.com/ngmsi/Turkey-Run-28-12-2006/Turkey_Run_28_12_2006_009
http://ngmotorsportimages.com/ngmsi/Turkey-Run-28-12-2006/Turkey_Run_28_12_2006_225

[atsiotras79]

No they are not, I expect atleast 90 or more entries to the event.

Thanks Jaanus, I asked because I expect another Greek too at the event, not with a Ford though.

I am sorry for the off-topic.

[sal]

http://www.roydempster.com/photo.asp?PhotoID=10149&AlbumID=708&Offset=10

[Swedeman]

'XOK 394' (V9 FMC) is not owned by Mats Jonsson.
Mats drives the car but the owner is Tommy Andersson who also owns 'WOB 099' (S11 FMC).

Regards / Swedeman

[Ciko]

I have now updated my website with a links page. I have mainly put links there where you can buy or hire Focus WRC cars. If anyone knows any company that rents Focus WRC cars and is missing from my links page, then please let me know.
Hi!

I found an mistake!
X6 FMC: who mostly used the car, he's name is not Gábor Szabó, he is Gergely Szabó. And the the car belongs to him, he bought that in 2004, the BRTH team are just servicing the WRC.

[Jaanus]

I have now corrected the info about V9 FMC and X6 FMC. If there are any more mistakes or any new info or anything else about the owners and drivers of Focus WRC cars just please let me know in this thread or email.
Thanks you very much.

[Simmi]

Reports from Ireland are that Gareth MacHale will run in the family 03 Focus again for one last time on the Monte before debuting his new car in Galway alongside Marcus. He's reported as having a 12 round programme so I assume he will be in Mexico again.

[Simmi]

Also interesting to see the first 06 car to be built EU55 BMZ stickered up in Stobart livery. Maybe a shakedown before being sent to Monte Carlo?

http://gallery.sportsfotos.org/displayimage.php?pos=-1471

[Jaanus]

Tord Linnerud drove the Ramsport 2002 spec Focus EX02 OBB today in Mountain rally and writes at his homepage he hopes to compete in Rally Norway in a 2005 spec Ramsport Focus!
That would mean Ramsport could enter all 4 Focus WRC cars at Rally Norway.

[Simmi]

New info from Ireland confirms not only Gareth Jones and Kevin Lynch in 05 cars for this year, but also talks of George Cullen aiming to get himself into a Focus after the first round in Galway.

Are Munchi's doing Ireland as one of their rounds this year Jaanus?
Even without them I beleive we could see around 15 Focus WRC's in Ireland, very possibly even more if Ramsport do similar for people like Higgins and Wilks maybe.

Look at the possibilities:
Gronholm, Hirvonen, Solberg, Latvala, Wilson, MacHale
Tsjoen, Mikkelsen, Boland, Jones, Lynch, Breen, White, Cullen,
Maybe Aaron MacHale, Moore, Higgins, Wilks? plus a couple of 02 cars.

Cant wait to attend the event!

[Jaanus]

Are Munchi's doing Ireland as one of their rounds this year Jaanus?


No unfortunetly they are not. The only tarmac rally the Munchi's Ford WRT will take part in is Catalunya. But I allways expected the Ireland entry list to be very good, especially for Ford fans :)
Also there will be new record broken in Sweden and hopefully again in Norway. So far the maximum number of Focus WRC cars in one WRC event is 9. In Sweden there are 10 Focus WRC cars entered and in Norway with Linnerud it could be 11!

[306 Cosworth]

There are 2 new 02 Cars that will be competing over here in Britain on the Wyedean on the 10th Feb, will try and find out the regs on the Scutineering day and post them up here. The drivers are Michael O'Brien and John Lloyd.

[306 Cosworth]

Just found out that John Lloyds car is the ex Stobart car 1 ES which is EX51 UAA

[ste898]

There is'nt such a car as a 05 Focus, there is the 2003 then 2004 and 2006.

[Simmi]

I sometimes (wrongly) refer to newer 04 cars used predominantly in 2005 as 05 cars. But thanks for correcting me ste.

[ste898]

Np probs a lot of people say about 05 Focus including me at first

[Jaanus]

There are some new drivers in Ireland who are planning to buy a 2004 spec Focus WRC cars or have allready bought one. I hope to hear the reg-plates of these cars as soon as possible:

Driver Gareth Jones
Car Ford Focus WRC 05
Program Tarmac Championship

Driver Kevin Lynch
Car Ford Focus WRC 05
Program Tarmac Championship

Driver George Cullen
Car Doing Galway with same car as last year (Subaru Impreza WRC S9). Hopes to move to 05 Focus as soon as S9 is sold after Galway
Program Limited number of rallies in Ireland

http://www.irish-rallying.com/article.php?article_id=061218/202517

[ste898]

Car Ford Focus WRC 05 ? only 03 and 04 Focus

[MadCat]

Regarding 05 Focus' I thought 04 Focus' had a technical upgrade which then officially (or unofficially) became the 05 focus?

Im probably wrong .....

[ste898]

New livery for Focus WRC
http://www.crash.net/news_view~t~FIRST-PICS--New-livery-for-BP-Ford-~cid~4~id~141921.htm

[Simmi]

EU55 CNX for Henning?
http://www.vgb.no/6339/perma/149087

[Swedeman]

Tommy Andersson bought his 3rd WRC Focus during 2006. But it has not yet done a rally in Sweden so I dont know for sure what car it is. Just a guess that it could be S15FMC?

/ Swedeman

[Jaanus]

I got some interesting info directly from my source at M-sport. Believe it or not your choice, but usually my info is correct:
M-sport will not be selling any 2006 spec Focus WRC cars this year. The 2006 cars used by privateers like Gareth MacHale are rented out only to trusted partners for events and tests under strict supervision by M-sport staff and will be returned to M-sport after every event.
The reason for this is the secret suspension system that M-sport wants to keep a secret.

Also there are new cars built for Grönholm and Hirvonen for Monte, Stobart will us last years works cars.

[Simmi]

I heard something about that a while ago and that it will be 2008 before they will sell them. I think the only person they might have considered selling to is Eugene Donnellybut maybe not even him. Thats why Gareth is able to run in Galway because he is getting M-Sport backing.

[306 Cosworth]

Wow 2008! That's a very long wait to see some privateer Focus 06's!

[Jaanus]

Here is something interesting I found looking through the photos.
It seems that Ford mechanics have mixed up the front pumpers on Mikko and Marcus cars at some point in day 3. Atleast the reg-plates are swiched you can clearly see it on the photos:

A photo of Mikko from day 1:
http://www.rally-live.com/wrc/photos/2007/montecarlo/diapo_031.jpg
A photo of Mikko from day 3:
http://www.rally-live.com/wrc/photos/2007/montecarlo/diapo_252.jpg

Thank god the police did not stop them and fined them for driving with wrong reg-number on front of the car!

[patwalsh13]

Focus-Fest in Galway in 2 weeks time. No less than 12 on the entry list -

1 Marcus Gronholm
2 Gareth MacHale
4 Eamonn Boland
6 Austin MacHale
8 Kevin Lynch
9 Gareth Jones
12 Ray Breen
16 Michael Barrable
18 JJ Fleming
21 Hugh Martin Doherty
33 Paddy White
34 Luke McCarthy

[Jaanus]

Gareth Jones new car is EG53 AVD.

[306 Cosworth]

How do you know that Jaanus? Have you seen pics? :D

[306 Cosworth]

Here is something interesting I found looking through the photos.
It seems that Ford mechanics have mixed up the front pumpers on Mikko and Marcus cars at some point in day 3. Atleast the reg-plates are swiched you can clearly see it on the photos:

A photo of Mikko from day 1:
http://www.rally-live.com/wrc/photos/2007/montecarlo/diapo_031.jpg
A photo of Mikko from day 3:
http://www.rally-live.com/wrc/photos/2007/montecarlo/diapo_252.jpg

Thank god the police did not stop them and fined them for driving with wrong reg-number on front of the car!

Maybe they Swapped cars beacuse they couldn't cure Marcus's Gearbox problems? :p :

[Jaanus]

How do you know that Jaanus? Have you seen pics? :D

No I have not seen photos, I have an inside source at M-sport ;) Let's see if he is right about this.

[Simmi]

New car for Boland maybe.
And the 50th car going back to JJ?
A lot of questions to be answered. Seems logical to sell it to Jones anyway seen as Dom Buckley's lot have experience of preparing the car.

[Jaanus]

New car for Boland maybe.
And the 50th car going back to JJ?

No actually there will be no changes there. JJ will continue with his 50th car and Boland with his EG53 BDU. I am still not sure why Boland used JJ car in Monte. I suppose there is a good reason for that.

[Simmi]

No actually there will be no changes there. JJ will continue with his 50th car and Boland with his EG53 BDU. I am still not sure why Boland used JJ car in Monte. I suppose there is a good reason for that.


Sorry Jaanus I was getting my plates mixed up. BDU/AVD lol.

[ste898]

Who owned EG53 AVD previously to Gareth Jones?

[Simmi]

Who owned EG53 AVD previously to Gareth Jones?

It was an M-Sport works car. Used last season by Stobart. Last WRC round was Finland with Katajamaki. Last outing was the Pendragon Stages where Malcolm Wilson won.

[padWRC]

New car for Lynch/Harper Rally Preparation, with re registration :K14NCH
http://www.irish-rallying.com/article.php?article_id=070129/172535

[quicksilver]

Anyone know what Focus Luke McCarthy has?

[306 Cosworth]

Anyone know what Focus Luke McCarthy has?

Guess we will find out on Friday during/after Scrutineering.

[padWRC]

Jaanus it is something wrong with EU55 BMV re registrated as 1ES?
Or Not?

...."Our new Ford Focus WRC06 has arrived just in time for the Galway International Rally.The car is ex-Marcus Gronholm, and won four WRC events last season with him at the wheel including the Monte Carlo Rally".


Gareth MacHale's new Ford Focus WRC 2006.
Photos:
http://www.garethmachale.com/index.html

Car..................EU55BMV
Driver:.............Gareth MacHale
Co Driver:.........Paul nagle
Car:.................Ford Focus WRC06
Preperation:......Tom Gahan/M-Sport
Tyres:..............BF Goodrich
Fuel:................Shell

[MadCat]

That is a very nice car!

[Jaanus]

Jaanus it is something wrong with EU55 BMV re registrated as 1ES?
Or Not?

Yes there is something wrong here. I will correct the mistake when I get home.

Now there are 3 options what car 1ES can be: EU55 CNN, EU55 CNV or a brand new car.

[Jaanus]

Gareth Jones new car is EG53 AVD.

My info has been confirmed by this photo:

http://www.irish-rallying.com/article.php?article_id=070130/205103

[Simmi]

Time to use you're contact again Jaanus!
How many problems is the damned 1ES registration causing lol. Things should become a bit clearer in Sweden but even if we cant find out via a source, it should be evident via process of elimination at some point this season.

Same thing with the Lynch car too.

[Simmi]

In regards to Luke McCarthy he wont be entering Galway any longer and according to Irish Rallynotes he was down to drive a Corolla anyway.

[quicksilver]

In regards to Luke McCarthy he wont be entering Galway any longer and according to Irish Rallynotes he was down to drive a Corolla anyway.
Ya spotted that on rallynews well ago, must have been a misprint in the entry list or something.

[306 Cosworth]

John Lloyds new Focus WRC02

http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/9941/jms02ca7.jpg

[padWRC]

My info has been confirmed by this photo:

http://www.irish-rallying.com/article.php?article_id=070130/205103

The car is an ex Stobart 2005 spec car.
Used by Jari-Matti Latvala / Miika Anttila

Tour de Corse 2006.
Rallye Catalunya 2006
Rallye Deutschland 2006
and
Kosti Katajamäki / Timo Alanne in
Rally Italia Sardinia 2006
Rally Finland 2006
Car will is in official Reid Motorsport colours prepared by Dom Buckley Motorsport.
Jones bought a focus 05 + is part of the Reid motorsport team !!!

[padWRC]

Dom Buckley Motorsport is looking after the Boland Focus or not?
Who is running the other Irish focuses?

[quicksilver]

I heard Dom Buckley supposed to be running Gareth Jones's Focus and that Harper will be running Lynch's

[padWRC]

Wrote in other forums:
"...full Buckley test today with mcnulty,fleming and jones and tis wet and slippy."
"...was jj's car. Buckley had it up with the two other cars as mentioned above. Had Fleming Transport along the side and Letterkenny 4x4 on the bonnet and back."

[Jaanus]

Marcus Gönholm will drive EU55 BMZ in Galway

http://www.irish-rallying.com/article.php?article_id=070202/130534

[padWRC]

In Galway Ford Focus WRC s :

1 Gronholm, Marcus EU55BMZ
2 MacHale, Gareth EU55 BMV
4 Boland, Eamonn EG53 BDU
6 Machale, Austin EJ02KMV
8 Lynch, Kevin K14NCH
9 Jones, Gareth EG53AVD
12 Breen, Ray EO03YRJ
16 Barrable, Michael EN02 UCT
18 Fleming, John Joe R55OTH
21 Dohery, Hugh Martin Y3 FMC

In Ballypatrick Tarmac Stages 2007 :
3-Stephen Moore EK52 NWN

[rwssport]

Isn't MacHale's car KMU rather than KMV. IIRC KMV is now over in Italy...

[rwssport]

Looks like Matt W's Monte Car (1 ES) was either CNN or CNF originally...

[Simmi]

Has to be CNN or a new chassis because CNF was used at the same time as 1ES in Wales last year.

My bet is a new chassis instead of re-preparing the New Zealand car of Gronholm which was CNN. We will see anyway if CNN crops up.

That and the Lynch car are the big two questions...

[Jaanus]

I got info that Lynch car is not ex-Gareth MacHale ET53 UNY, so it is eather EF04 VVB or EF04 WBW. We will know as soon as the other car is sold to private hands or used by M-sport.

[andyg07]

Paddy White is reportedly switching from an Impreza S9 to a Focus for next season. Presumably one of the ones already in Ireland. Irish rally news even speculated that Derek McGarrity could run a Focus when he resumes competition after his injuries clear up.


Ya Paddy white has sold his impreza s300wrt.It was used in galway last wk end by seamus devine. McGarrity will be driving an S12 on the circuit as he is in a pirelli team with mark higgins in an S11

[andyg07]

In Galway Ford Focus WRC s :

1 Gronholm, Marcus EU55BMZ
2 MacHale, Gareth EU55 BMV
4 Boland, Eamonn EG53 BDU
6 Machale, Austin EJ02KMV
8 Lynch, Kevin K14NCH
9 Jones, Gareth EG53AVD
12 Breen, Ray EO03YRJ
16 Barrable, Michael EN02 UCT
18 Fleming, John Joe R55OTH
21 Dohery, Hugh Martin Y3 FMC

In Ballypatrick Tarmac Stages 2007 :
3-Stephen Moore EK52 NWN


Machales focus is EJ02 KMU not kmv

[jure dvorsek]

True, EJ02 KMV is in Itally-Errepi Competition owns it and Felice Re was a 2006 champion in a Italian tarmac championship.

[Simmi]

padWRC knows all this he just made a small mistake in typing up the plates.

[padWRC]

padWRC knows all this he just made a small mistake in typing up the plates.

Oh! Thanks Simmi!
...and sorry for the mistake!

[padWRC]

Mikkonen s (ex Tuohino)car is for sale:
http://www.rallycarsforsale.net/clas/index.php?ct=fsrc&md=details&id=21189
Did he buy a 05?

[Jaanus]

Mikkonen is tying to sell his car since last season finished. I don't think there is much point in buying a new WRC, he is an old man allready and there is no future for WRC cars in Finland.

[padWRC]

Jaanus,
EU55BNA for Raies
and EU55CNV
for Companc in SWEDEN!

[Jaanus]

Grönholm, Hirvonen, Wilson and H.Solberg will drive their Monte Carlo cars in Sweden.

[306 Cosworth]

Michael O'Brien debuted his new Focus WRC yesterday the reg is X493 YOO
He was 9th o/a in what was a very difficult rally with lots of snow!

[Jaanus]

That means JM Engineering has only one Focus WRC left the V474 ONO re-registered as 1Z3 9500 that was also in action this weekend in Lithuania with Girdauskas.
Are JM Engineering planning to buy new shape Fords or are they closing down the WRC renting busines, because the website has also been out of date for 2 years now?

[rwssport]

Given the article on Wilkes and Mikkelsen a few weeks back on wrc.com I believe that Andreas will be using EG 53 CCN in Norway...

[Jaanus]

The wrc.com article said that Mikkelsen will use the same car he used in Wales and had a very short life as a works car with Markko Märtin. But these are 2 different cars the S568 RHH(former 1ES) Mikkelsen used in Wales is not the same as the EG53 CCN that Markko destroyd in Argentina 2004.
I guess it is still a mystery what car Andreas will use.

[padWRC]

That means JM Engineering has only one Focus WRC left the V474 ONO re-registered as 1Z3 9500 that was also in action this weekend in Lithuania with Girdauskas.
Are JM Engineering planning to buy new shape Fords or are they closing down the WRC renting busines, because the website has also been out of date for 2 years now?

Are you sure that they sold X5FMC and EJ02KMV to Errepi/Italy?

[Simmi]

The wrc.com article said that Mikkelsen will use the same car he used in Wales and had a very short life as a works car with Markko Märtin. But these are 2 different cars the S568 RHH(former 1ES) Mikkelsen used in Wales is not the same as the EG53 CCN that Markko destroyd in Argentina 2004.
I guess it is still a mystery what car Andreas will use.

The article reads 'Mikkelsen's car will be the one in which he enjoyed successes in Britain last year', which I think is in refence to his British national rally achievements and not the Wales GB event.

http://www.wrc.com/page/News/BreakingNewsDetail/0,,10111~973254,00.html

[ste898]

Is there a website for Munchi's Ford team?

[padWRC]

Mobil Ramsport Focus 04 ET53URO for Wilks in Rally Norway 2007:
http://www.suttonimages.com/fotoweb/previewposters.fwx?position=4&folderid=5009&search=07wr03a&sorting=ModifiedTimeAsc&fileId=5CCF88CE36FB986ADFA91A7F2A29861FC23D8920ACD 4F6C38C6D476253AAFBEA6A5BBB6840D8472ACDBE386A38734 94E4485826E118CE5F47B570BB43BF2DD3BC4BAF29C71F0627 690B1B0ECFF10B92407CFEB6B66B433F9B48866BD543EE93FC 31DE7BA37442D1E88B6B1EE31E95F46AC708ED8D9B0A164

[Roy]

According to the re-newed entry list we have not a Focus for #70 Bernhard Kongsrud and Pål Christian Iversen. But crew #93 Einar Staff and Kim Staff drives a Focus.

Do anybody know which Focus they drive?

http://www.rallynorway.com/en/compet...ed_docs07.html

[Karbonyl]

Are you sure that they sold X5FMC and EJ02KMV to Errepi/Italy?What I know is that JM never owned any Focus. The cars belonged to Felix Re and Balazs Benik, JM worked just like service organisation and rental provider. At this moment there should be no WRC car in JM garage, just a few Suzukis S1600.

[Jaanus]

Great news guys! I have it confirmed that the 1ES Matt Wilson has used in Wales last year and Monte, Sweden and Norway this year is former EU55 CNN.

[Roy]

Jaanus. Your information about Einar Staff is wrong. You say the crew drive with reg RJ 42247 In this picture I see another plate. http://www.team-itweb.no/images/arkiv/20070216/0071.jpg

Do you realy know Staff is driving EX02 OBB?

[Jaanus]

Thanks FocusChampion. The car on the photo is 2001 spec RZ 28256. Original reg-plate V2 FMC. Thanks for the info and sorry for the mistake. I had old info and had no time to deal with the website yesterday and find photos, I will correct it soon.

[Roy]

Thanks FocusChampion. The car on the photo is 2001 spec RZ 28256. Original reg-plate V2 FMC. Thanks for the info and sorry for the mistake. I had old info and had no time to deal with the website yesterday and find photos, I will correct it soon.
:up:

[Jaanus]

According to rallycarsforsale.net V2 FMC has been sold. Is the new owner Einar Staff who used it in Rally Norway or someone else? And will Einar continue driving the car in the Norwegian Rally Championship?

http://www.rallycarsforsale.net/clas/index.php?ct=fsrc&md=details&id=20522

Also does anyone know which Focus is this 2001 spec that came for sale this week:

http://www.rallycarsforsale.net/clas/index.php?ct=fsrc&md=details&id=21432

[306 Cosworth]

Might be a car from Ireland with the name Norman Burns?

[Jaanus]

If it's from Ireland it could be EJ02 KMO, because the last owner Hugh Martin Doherty now has a new car. Just speculating...

[306 Cosworth]

hmmm possibly! Shame there's no pictures, annoying when they advertise a WRC Car and they don't have any photos.

[Jr.]

According to rallycarsforsale.net V2 FMC has been sold. Is the new owner Einar Staff who used it in Rally Norway or someone else? And will Einar continue driving the car in the Norwegian Rally Championship?


Quite a funny story, for a while I thought Bernhard Kongsrud was renting RJ42247 for Rally Norway, then a few weeks prior to the event Bernhard bought Trond Sveinsvolls V2 FMC without even seeing the car first.

This turned out to be a bit of a mistake, as Bernard is abt 2 meters tall and actually didnt fit inside the car! He also owns a ex Henning evo 6,5 wich he had lent to Einar Staff for Rally Norway. So their only option was to swap cars, giving Einar a ride in the 01 Focus that Bernhard now owns...

Moral: dont buy a car without a test drive.....

[Jaanus]

Thanks for the story Jr. :up:

I am sure they can adjust the seat for Bernhard and he can use the car in the future :)

[Swedeman]

Jonas Kruse did Rally Vännäs - 1st round of Swedish Rallycar Championship - this weekend in 'WOB 099' (S11 FMC) rented from Tommy Andersson. Unfortunately he retired with a broken rear axle on SS6, but he plans to do the whole series 2007 in the car.
/ Swedeman

http://www.motorsport4sale.com/bilder/2007_bilder/0702b/070223_vannas_4k.jpg

[rwssport]

ET 53 UNY, Gareth MacHale's car from 2006 was used over in Ireland today by his brother Aaron on the Birr Multi Stage Rally...

[witto6]

.

[padWRC]

What I know is that JM never owned any Focus. The cars belonged to Felix Re and Balazs Benik, JM worked just like service organisation and rental provider. At this moment there should be no WRC car in JM garage, just a few Suzukis S1600.

It s true:
Last weekend in Franciacorta :
http://www.sportracingteam.com/immagini/immagini%202007/rally_circuit.htm

1. 1Z3 9500 ex V474ONO without JM stickers!
2. Errepi s P10 FFC re reg back in S6FMC
3. Errepi s 1P5 1555 re reg back in EJ02 KMX

[MadCat]

Mikkelsen will be using one of his 2005 spec cars this weekend on the Malcolm Wilson Rally, not a 2006 Focus rumoured on another forum.

Im unsure at the moment which one it'll be though :P

[padWRC]

S10 FMC re registrated to H3 NDY!

http://www.geoffmayesimages.com/rally214.html?page=1

[Jaanus]

Once again some inside info for you guys: EX02 OBD is sold to Eddie Hörbing.

[Addicted]

One Focus less in Finland. Rumour in finnish site ralli.net, says that Jarmo Mikkonen has sold his Focus `02 to Sweden.

And good news is that Ari Vihavainen will be back in action in Peurunka-ralli after 14 month break.

Woops, Jaanus was faster

[[WRCRR]]

New 06 Focus for Grönholm in Mexico as expected, reg. no. EO56 TZR. Haven't seen Hirvonen's car yet, it should be a new one too.

[Roy]

]New 06 Focus for Grönholm in Mexico as expected, reg. no. EO56 TZR. Haven't seen Hirvonen's car yet, it should be a new one too.

EJ56 FXA is new car for Hirvonen.

The cars of stobart are differtent too http://www.stobartmotorsport.com/wrc_gallery.asp
Latvala EU55 CNK
Solberg: EU55 CNF
Wilson: EU55 BMZ

[MadCat]

arent they the Focus Gronholm and Hirvonen used in Monte, Sweden and Norway?

[witto6]

Er....No.

[MadCat]

Edit: my bad :P

[Swedeman]

Eddie Hörbing in EX02 OBD from last saturday
/ Swedeman

http://www.tebe.se/foto-070310/070310-036-L.jpg

[Simmi]

Ramsport Portugal cars:
ET53 URO for Wilks
http://www.crash.net/picture_view~pid~3~picid~340156~cid~4~category_id~ 0~event_id~-~search_string~.htm
EG53 CCN for Mikkelsen - the same car he rolled on the Malcolm Wilson. It was scheduled to go into M-Sport for a rebuild even before the crash apparently.

[padWRC]

Any Info about K Lynch s KI4NCH?

[Ciko]

Hungarian Balazs Benik bought EJ02 KMV from Errepi Competion! The car will be serviced by BRTH.

http://www.benikmotorsport.hu/galeria/2007/2007_03_26_Sajtotajekoztato/2007_Sznyst_022.JPG

http://www.benikmotorsport.hu/galeria/2007/2007_03_26_Sajtotajekoztato/2007_Sznyst_005.JPG

[teufel]

And the most important for Benik: after so much years of nothing, Ford Hungary supports him officially! :)

[Ciko]

Gergely Szabo sold his Focus WRC (X6 FMC) to Switzerland.

[rwssport]

S 7 FMC - a 99 spec Focus was used in Ireland by Seamus Heron over the weekend...

[MadCat]

Ramsport Portugal cars:
ET53 URO for Wilks
http://www.crash.net/picture_view~pid~3~picid~340156~cid~4~category_id~ 0~event_id~-~search_string~.htm
EG53 CCN for Mikkelsen - the same car he rolled on the Malcolm Wilson. It was scheduled to go into M-Sport for a rebuild even before the crash apparently.

The Wilks car is correct however, Mikkelsen used S568 RHH in Portugal and again used it this weekend for the Easter Rally in Ireland where he finished a fantastic 3rd O/A, behind Donnelly and Miggins :D

[Simmi]

Yeah I noticed that. I was just going on what it said in Motorsport news. Great performance by Andreas though I'm sure if you put him in an 06 Focus he'd be pushing for points at WRC level, let alone Irish tarmac. Only a matter of time I'm sure...

[rwssport]

I see on rallycarsforsale.net that Derek McGarrity has a 2001 and a 2002 Focus WRC up for sale. According to the add the 2002 car is one of the last built. Sorry no reg numbers or pics on site...

[Sardalense]

Picture of the new Focus WRC, testing in Sardinia :

http://autosport.clix.pt/gen.pl?p=stories&op=view&fokey=as.stories/24800

[rwssport]

Has anyone found out yet what the previous registration of Kevin Lynch's 05 car was?

Also on the Killarney entry I see that Paddy White is also out in a Focus. He previously had an S9 Scooby so I'd doubt he'd move to an older Focus...

[Simmi]

Matt Wilson is running 1ES once again in Argentina instead of the EU55 BMZ we expected. Is it because he is not nominated for points that he can not run his Mexico car?

[Roy]

Is it because he is not nominated for points...

That make some sence.

[rwssport]

Has anyone found out yet what the previous registration of Kevin Lynch's 05 car was?

Also on the Killarney entry I see that Paddy White is also out in a Focus. He previously had an S9 Scooby so I'd doubt he'd move to an older Focus...

Just seen a pic of Paddy White's new Focus - It's EF 04 WBW. Does this mean that Lynch's car was EF 04 VVB??

http://www.crspics.com/2007/tarmac07/lakes07/07-9CRS10352.jpg

Credit to Seamus Counihan for the pic

[306 Cosworth]

Looks stunning in red :D :D :D

[Roy]

I don't understand the reg plate of Hirvonen. Gronholm has EJ56 FZV. The same he used in Monte, Sweden, Norway and Portugal (as expected).
But Hirvonen has used now EU56 FZB instead of EJ56 FZB.

Wrong plate or another car?

[Micke_VOC]

EX02 OBD is re registred to AGU161

Heard last weekend that Mikkelsen have order 3 Focus 06 from M-Sport..anyone knows more ?

[Simmi]

I don't understand the reg plate of Hirvonen. Gronholm has EJ56 FZV. The same he used in Monte, Sweden, Norway and Portugal (as expected).
But Hirvonen has used now EU56 FZB instead of EJ56 FZB.

Wrong plate or another car?


Just a mistake on the plate by the looks of it.
I've seen pics of it with the correct plate on Mikko's site.

[Simmi]

Al Qassimi is down to drive a Focus now on the Acropolis entry list. Anyone got any info?

http://www.acropolisrally.gr/en/show.php?page=entries

[MadCat]

Heard last weekend that Mikkelsen have order 3 Focus 06 from M-Sport..anyone knows more ?

Last time I asked Andreas about this, he told me he was to keep his current line up of cars for the time being. Whether or not the team have changed their mind about this i dont know but i'd treat it as a rumour for now.

[Simmi]

Jaanus I cant help thinking Villagra is driving EU55 CNN in this rally. I've not had a perfect look at the plate yet but it's looking that way. Perhaps once again they created a new chassis registered 1ES for Matt if this is indeed the case?

[Jaanus]

Jaanus I cant help thinking Villagra is driving EU55 CNN in this rally. I've not had a perfect look at the plate yet but it's looking that way. Perhaps once again they created a new chassis registered 1ES for Matt if this is indeed the case?

Hi Simmi

I really haven't had time to look for photos of Villagra yet, but from the one in the rally official homepage it looks like it is indeed EU55 CNN. If that turns out to be true then yes 1ES is registered to a different chassis.
Also about Al Qassimi. I have no idea what car he will drive, I can't wait to find out :)

[Roy]

It looks like Wilson's Focus is in Argentinia and here in Sardinia the EU55 BMZ, he was used in Mexico also.

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[Simmi]

I had wondered if there was a chance of EU55 BMZ and 1ES being the same car because I saw it in Stobart livery at the Autosport International in the Arena which I wondered could have been a brief shakedown of the car before being sent off to the Monte. The theory would rely on it reverting back to its original reg for Mexico for some reason (maybe a law). I do however feel that the appearance of the car in Galway with Marcus the weekend before Sweden disproves this idea as I'd imagine the Sweden car would have to be well on its way by this time.

Sooooo it would appear it is a new chassis mirroring what was done for the Stobart team the previous year. I would hope they haven't been registering other cars with the 1ES plate because that would just confuse matters. It has caused a lot of confusion and mystery has the plate, purely because it is as much a piece of advertising as it is a number plate...

[Simmi]

Here we go:
http://67.15.62.73/previews/drh20my07wrc0481.jpg

With regards to Qassimi I'm wondering whether he will rent from Ramsport who will be there with Wilks. It wouldnt be that difficult for them to bring an extra car if given the funds.

[ste898]

I see the Munchi's Focus was brand new for Rally of Italy EX07 PXN........How come they get a brand new car before the BP factory Ford team?

[Roy]

Villagra website (with pictures)
http://www.villagraracing.com.ar/

About the Focus of Luis Perez Companc. It is the same as last year when M-Sport made a new Focus for the Stobart crews. (Japan 2006)
Nothing is newer then the car of BP Ford's, only the reg plate. It is the same homologation.

[jonas_mcrae]

Last week my cousing went with her school in a visit to the ford centre en Dagenham, Essex. She took this pics and as you can see it looks like Gardemeister's Focus WRC its just parked outside the main entrance. for what I can see it looks like it is the real deal. She also got some FordWRT freebies so Im a little bit intrigued. The pics are not that good because they didnt let them use cameras once outside the bus. If some one know if this is the real deal, do you know why its there? or any other info?
thanks

I think the registration is EX9 UTW not sure if you would like to take a closer look at the pics, please PM I have them in high resolution

[jonas_mcrae]

heres the other one

[Simmi]

Jonas my dad goes down there a lot and he's taken pictures of similar cars. I would imagine this is another road going focus done up to look like a rally car by a Ford employee. I believe there are a few down there. A slight clue is in the fuel cap.

[jonas_mcrae]

yeah that was what I was thinking, anyway if it is a replica is quite a good one

[Roy]

http://www.rally-live.com/wrc/photos/2007/acropolis/diapo_116.jpg

Luis is not driving his car he used in italy. (EA07 PXN) It is EU55 BNA
I think in car EA07 PXN is something broken during the crash Companc had. Thats why change the car.

The EU55 BNA is the old car of Juan Pablo Raies in 2007 and Mikko Hirvonen in 2006.

[Simmi]

A quick question about the new 07 Focus. Do we think Ford will convert a few of the existing cars to 07 spec or will we see a new wave of cars? My thinking is that there are already plenty of 06 cars and that some of them will be converted in a similar way to the 03 cars becoming 04 cars. We already know of one 07 car in existence.

Do you know what the updates on the car are Jaanus?

[ste898]

A quick question about the new 07 Focus. Do we think Ford will convert a few of the existing cars to 07 spec or will we see a new wave of cars? My thinking is that there are already plenty of 06 cars and that some of them will be converted in a similar way to the 03 cars becoming 04 cars. We already know of one 07 car in existence.

Do you know what the updates on the car are Jaanus?

Well hopefully now some of the 06 cars will finally be sold to the top privateers in Ireland.
It would be a crazy idea to convert 06 cars to 07.
That is a strange way to think that there is too many? 06 cars.....there can never be too many.

[Jaanus]

The changes are really small. The aerodynamics will change, the weight ballast distribution will change and the engine will have a small update, but nothing major, it is just a small evolution.
Offcourse many of the current cars will be updated to 07 spec and same new cars will be built.

[padWRC]

News from Akropolis:
1.EA07 PXN is a new car, 06 version, not re registrated!
2.Wilson 's 1 ES in Akropolis is the Latvala car from Argentina (EU55 CNK).
3 Stobart used 1ES for different chassis (is not the same car ).

[Jaanus]

thanks PadWRC for the info :up:

[Simmi]

I hate that number plate!

[Roy]

News from Akropolis:
1.EA07 PXN is a new car, 06 version, not re registrated!
2.Wilson 's 1 ES in Akropolis is the Latvala car from Argentina (EU55 CNK).
3 Stobart used 1ES for different chassis (is not the same car ).

Thnx!

But what was car 1ES in Argentina? EU55 BMV (Like rally Mexico?) or EU55 CNN (Like all other rallies).
EU55 CNK must be used in Sardinia also as 1ES (?)

[Simmi]

This is how I imagine the plate has been used;
Wales GB 06 - EU55 CNK (Same as Japan that year)
Monte 07 - EU55 CNN
Sweden 07 - EU55 CNN
Norway 07 - EU55 CNN
Portugal 07 - EU55 CNN
Argentina 07 - EU55 BMZ (Same as Mexico)
and then we know the last 2 rallies were EU55 CNK again.
Were Portugal and Monte Carlo a rally pairing?

[Jaanus]

I hate that number plate!


You are not the only one! I hate all private number plates, they are no good and for a car so rear as a WRC car with history changing number plates should be banned.

If EU55 BMZ used the 1ES number plate in Argentina, then why was 1ES not used in Mexico?

PS! I got the confirmation that EU55 CNN was 1ES in Sweden and Norway from a Norwegian who worked close to the cars in Rally Norway and I trust his information is true. For other rallys I just guess the same car was used and now it seems this is not the case.

[Roy]

Thnx!

But what was car 1ES in Argentina? EU55 BMV (Like rally Mexico?) ...

I mean BMZZZZ! ;)

Mexico and argentina are paired, but not for a privateer like Wilson(?) So it could be... it is another car. But it is more logic it is the BMZ.

[Roy]

My administration:

Monte Carlo EU55 CNN
Sweden EU55 CNN
Norway EU55 CNN
Mexico EU55 BMZ
Portugal EU55 CNK
Argentinia EU55 BMZ/EU55 CNN ?? I think the first
Sardinia EU55 CNK
Greece EU55 CNK

[Simmi]

Also for all we know Ford could have registered a complete new car and run it under 1ES. I doubt this is the case but we dont really know much without seeking confirmation. I might try give m-sport an email I've been wanting to show them what I've done on excel for Focus WRC participation so this might be as good a time as any.

[Roy]

another question I put this in the Acropolis thread, but it will help here also.

Ford 60th win?
http://www.wrc.com/page/News/BreakingNewsDetail/0,,10111~1032884,00.html

The win on Sunday was a special won for Ford, given that they have done so well on the Acropolis in the last eight years. It was also the 60th win for the Blue Oval at this level, something Wilson himself didn't know.

“I didn't realise it was the 60th, but it's a special moment. It's six times in eight years that we have won here and a pretty good record for us,” he added.
http://www.crash.net/news_view~cid~4~id~149025.htm

Or 59th win?
http://www.rally-live.com/wrc/en/stats/victoires_constructeurs.shtml


I go for 59th win, because Sweden 2006 was 50th. +9

[Simmi]

They have had 10 wins since Sweden 2006.These being:
Greece 06, Finland 06, Turkey 06, Australia 06, New Zealand 06, Wales 06
Sweden 07, Norway 07, Sardinia 07 and Greece 07.

[padWRC]

PAPADIMITRIOU S FOCUS 03(EXO2 OBF) OFFERED FOR SALE:

http://www.rallycarsforsale.net/clas/index.php?ct=fsrc&md=details&id=23194

[Simmi]

Good stuff would be nice to see that car do more rallies.

[306 Cosworth]

John Lloyds Focus WRC02
EX51 UAA has been Re-Registered as 99 JL

[padWRC]

A 2000 car Re registrated in Sweden in AGU 161:
http://www.rally-racing.com/ericsson/ericssonmotorsport/foto/07-06-09_le-torph_08.jpg

[padWRC]

A 2000 car Re registrated in Sweden in AGU 161:
http://www.rally-racing.com/ericsson/ericssonmotorsport/foto/07-06-09_le-torph_08.jpg

Jaanus was informed:it s Eddie Horbing s new 2002 car EX02 OBD!!

[User]

I found this vid on YouTube.
http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=VoqPnEbCEsg

It looks like a 2006 WRC spec Ford Focus crash. But what a crash :D
Does anybody has more info about it?

[rwssport]

I found this vid on YouTube.
http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=VoqPnEbCEsg

It looks like a 2006 WRC spec Ford Focus crash. But what a crash :D
Does anybody has more info about it?

To me it looks more like a 2003 or 2005 car. Or at least one done up to look like it... What was the point of what they did to it though??

[Karbonyl]

It's definitely a 06 car. And the reason? Simple the test of aerodynamics when taking off the ground. If you remember, focus WRC 01 had big problems with this, that car was heavily landing on it's front. It cleraly looks like the model on the video and focus WRC 01 are relatives LOL.

[klm-607]

To me it looks more like a 2003 or 2005 car. Or at least one done up to look like it... What was the point of what they did to it though??

You can tell by the body work it's an 06'. That's a pricey test!!

[rwssport]

You can tell by the body work it's an 06'. That's a pricey test!!

Good enough reason for doing it....

[User]

Who was the driver, Roman Kresta? And I suppose it was a real 06 WRC, what did they do with it afterwards?

[Simmi]

Thats definately an 06 car. Legitimate test I suppose I can think of quite a few jumps like that in the championship. Wales GB last year had a jump very similar to that on the Port Talbot/Margam Stage. Interesting video!

[306 Cosworth]

Wouldn't have fancied being the drive of that going over on the nose :s

[Simmi]

It would be interesting to know who it was, where and when etc. but I cant imagine M-Sport really want to talk about tests like this.

[padWRC]

Y3 FMC for sale:
http://www.rallycarsforsale.net/clas/index.php?ct=fsrc&md=details&id=23331

EO03 XYG for sale:

http://www.rallycarsforsale.net/clas/index.php?ct=fsrc&md=details&id=23291

[padWRC]

A Focus WRC 06 entry(!!!) in Eifel 2007 with Peter van Merksteijn/Erwin Berkhof

http://www.eifel-rallye.de/Nennungen/nennungen.php

[Roy]

A Focus WRC 06 entry(!!!) in Eifel 2007 with Peter van Merksteijn/Erwin Berkhof

http://www.eifel-rallye.de/Nennungen/nennungen.php

Great to see Holland names by Focus... Merkensteijn is fom NL (CH Zurich :confused: ) I dont expect much from them, but it is cool :D

[Huufke]

Merkensteijn is fom NL (CH Zurich :confused: )

Swiss banking is more interesting when you've got a lot of money ;)

[Roy]

Nice Focus entry in Finland 11!

But it would be difficult to find the right reg plate....

Do you remember Focus reg plate in Finland? Watch:
http://www.ilkansivu.net/Neste_Rally_Finland_2004/NRF04_523_Podium_13th_Jari_Viita_and_Timo_Hantunen _Ford_Focus_WRC_RS_03.jpg
http://www.ilkansivu.net/NORF06/NORF06_0392_SS7_Vellipohja_2_Marcus_Gronholm_and_T imo_Rautiainen_Ford_Focus_RS_WRC_06.jpg
http://www.ilkansivu.net/NORF06/NORF06_0518_SS7_Vellipohja_2_Kosti_Katajamaki_and_ Timo_Alanne_Ford_Focus_RS_WRC_04.jpg
http://www.ilkansivu.net/NORF06/NORF06_1029_SS10_Vaheri_Matthew_Wilson_and_Michael _Orr_Ford_Focus_RS_WRC_04.jpg
http://www.ilkansivu.net/Neste_Rally_Finland_2005/NRF05_0201_SS5_Vellipohja_1_Antony_Warmbold_and_Mi chael_Orr_Ford_Focus_RS_WRC_04.jpg

[Simmi]

It's just a matter of waiting for Germany for the works cars and then a bit of guess work I suppose or someone asking. I was under the impression it only need be the Finnish drivers who had this type of plate on their car but Ford has put them on all cars in the past which is a bit annoying. We'll wait and see...

[Simmi]

If anyone can find a larger resolution picture of the Abu Dhabi launch it might reveal a new 07 car plate. I can't quite make it out from the pictures on crash:

*EDIT car looks to be EU55 CNV

http://www.crash.net/news_view~cid~4~id~150554~pid~0.htm#pictures

The good news is there will be another 07 Focus on a few events this season (Finland, Germany, Spain and Ireland).

[Roy]

The good news is there will be another 07 Focus on a few events this season (Finland, Germany, Spain and Ireland).

WRC 06 for Finland and Germany. Both other rallies too(?)

[Simmi]

Yeah I just read about it being an 06 car which is fair enough for a driver of his ability.

All launch images here:
http://www.teamabudhabi.com/

[ste898]

New livery for Finland looks aweful with that new name on!!!!!!

[Simmi]

Ford liveries have been a bit gash for years IMO but it will definately take a few months to get used to the new changes. If it means a better Ford WRT then thats fine by me. And another Focus when I go to Ireland etc...

Are you going to change your signature Ste at the end of the year?
Malcolm brings the title home to Abu Dhabi!

[MadCat]

Havent seen it mentioned on here but Andreas Mikkelsen will be taking delivery of 3 Focus WRC 06's to replace his current trio of 04/05 cars according to Motorsport News.

I hope he brings one of them to the UK before WRGB!

[Simmi]

Looking at the crop of drivers who are running these cars in the WRC and other events I'd say Andreas more then deserves to be in one. He's got the ability.

They don't do things by half either do they in his team. They must like buying in bulk...

[MadCat]

Yeah, at a guess I would imagine they operate like a WRC team by having one at a rally, one being rebuilt and one for testing/on its way to the next rally .. each car alternating under those banners i'd imagine.

I also imagine we'll see Guy Wilks in one at some point as well :) :up:

[ste898]

Malcolm brings the title home to Abu Dhabi!

Yes I definately will

[rwssport]

Noticed that Andreas Mikkelsen has his three 2005 spec Focus WRCs up for sale at the moment...

http://www.rallycarsforsale.net/clas/index.php?ct=fsrc&md=details&id=23489

[HJD]

There are some pictures of the Ford Focus WRC 2006 which will be driven by Peter van Merksteijn sr. this year (Eifel Rallye, WRC Germany, and more). I got them from a dutch forum.

It's the EU55 BMY car:

http://brick59.hyves.org/80750001-80800000/80753401-80753500/80753448_6_aoN5.jpeg

http://brick59.hyves.org/80750001-80800000/80753401-80753500/80753449_6_UUgN.jpeg

[dot-niek]

There are some pictures of the Ford Focus WRC 2006 which will be driven by Peter van Merksteijn sr. this year (Eifel Rallye, WRC Germany, and more).

One of the best looking rally cars IMO. Especially the front.

[Roy]

There are some pictures of the Ford Focus WRC 2006 which will be driven by Peter van Merksteijn sr. this year (Eifel Rallye, WRC Germany, and more). I got them from a dutch forum.

It's the EU55 BMY car:

:cool:

How do you come to this picture? Is taken by M-sport(?)
This is real great stuff... :bounce:

[Roy]

I found more:

http://www.therallysite.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2275&Itemid=1

[PuddleJumper]

That's a great livery! Would really like to see that car in action. :up:

[Roy]

Al Qasimmi test with EU55 BNA

[Simmi]

I don't think it has been mentioned on here but a few weeks ago Irish Tarmac wizard Eugene Donelly tested an 06 Ford Focus and was reportedly very impressed by it.

http://www.rallynews.net/News/News07/July07/irishnotes11.07.07.htm

It would be great to see him in a Focus for next season. Talk about an unbeatable combination!

[Simmi]

The latest news in Ireland is that Eamonn Boland has bought an Impreza S12 and is parking the Focus for the remainder of the year on account of the fact it is too old. It would appear that it will be put up for sale.

[Roy]

Nice... All the Ford manufactuer cars have again Finnish reg. plate. :( Even Garteth Jones have. In Germany we know what reg. plate they have. But we don't know from Munchi's ;(

Ramsport have normal registration plate.

[Roy]

In 1 rally 11 cars frome the same make. Never seen before!

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/r/wm/galerien/2007/rallye-finnland/index.html?tx_gooffotoboek_pi1%5Bfid%5D=7&cHash=9e7ed269bf

(In Germany the same... I'm there!)

[Jaanus]

I have been lucky enough to obtain all the reg-plates of the Focus WRC cars used in Finland and they are now available at my website.
A bit strange that Ford built a new car only for Grönholm and not for Hirvonen. Also it is highly likely that Latvala will get a different car for Deutschland, because usually with roll-gage damage M-Sport sends cars back to England for a full rebuild and that takes more than 2 weeks.
I was really sad to hear the roumor that Gareth Jones is likely to miss Deutschland. Surely he would have been faster on tarmac. And where is Gareth MacHale? Originally Finland and Deutschland were in his plans but it seems he has budget problems.

[Simmi]

As far as I can gather Gareth isn't having budget problems, it just took a lot longer then expected to get his Focus fixed after his Sardinia crash. He was in action for the first time again today winning the Stonethrowers rally in Ireland. I assume he will be back for the tarmac rounds and Ireland/GB to end the year.

Well done on getting the information Jaanus many thanks

[MadCat]

I think MacHale opted to do a few more rallies closer to home to bed himself back in to the Focus, he did the Stonethrowers rally within the last week.

[Roy]

....And where is Gareth MacHale? Originally Finland and Deutschland were in his plans but it seems he has budget problems.

From his website:

The accident in Italy has almost finished our seasons WRC programme but hopefully we will be back on the WRC trail very soon.

http://www.garethmachale.com/latestnews.html

[Michaeld]

Gareths car was only finihed the thursday before the stonethrowers so it was touch and go wether he would start or not

[padWRC]

Can someone tell me please which team run/prepare the following cars?

Ford Focus WRC 02

Christian August Selmer-- DJ 83925 ex EK51 UAB

Eddie Horbing --AGU 161exEX02 OBD



Ford Focus WRC 05
Stephen Moore -- EK52 NWN
Michael Barrable -- EN02 UCT

Ray Breen --EO03 YRJ
Steve Perez -- VK 3 ex ET53 UJP

[padWRC]

Can someone tell me please which team run/prepare the following cars?

Ford Focus WRC 00/01/02

Christian August Selmer -- ex EK51 UAB --DJ 83925
Eddie Horbing --ex EX02 OBD-- AGU 161
David James --EX02 OBE
John Lloyd --ex EX51 UAA --JL 99
Steve Hendy --ex S10 FMC--H3 NDY
Jonas Kruse --ex S11 FMC - WOB 099
Seamus Heron --S7 FMC
Einar STAFF Jr --ex V2 FMC --RZ 28256
Ari Vihavainen --ex V8 FMC-- BL 9009
Mats Jonsson --ex V9 FMC --XOK 394
Dave Weston --Y128 XEV
Hugh Martin Dohery --Y3 FMC
Paul Benn --Y4 FMC
Jukka Hiltunen --Y6 FMC

Ford Focus WRC 05

Michael Barrable --EN02 UCT
Ray Breen --EO03 YRJ
Steve Perez --ex ET53 UJP--VK 3
Stephen Moore --EK52 NWN

[Addicted]

Hiltunen and Vihavainen are run by their own, not any team. Although Hiltunen rents an engineer now and then from M-Sport.

[MadCat]

Dave Weston is run by Ramsport

[rwssport]

I think John Lloyd's car is run by Geoff Jones. I would guess that Hendy's car is probably run by his own team of engineers. Think Perez car might be run by BTP - the same team that run his Stratos...

[martinG44]

Who prepares the cars............


David James --EX02 OBE
is ran by Tony Phillips rallysport but I think Buckley IRS also do some work on the car.

Seamus Heron --S7 FMC
is ran by McGeehan Motorsport (who also look after Eugene Donnelly)

Hugh Martin Dohery --Y3 FMC
this car now for sale with Derek McGarrity was traded in against an s9 which is now since sold again. I think it was run by Norman Burns.

Ford Focus WRC 05

Michael Barrable --EN02 UCT

is ran by Garry Emmet of Evolution Motorsport


Ray Breen --EO03 YRJ


is ran by Tom Gahan (who also carries McHales cars)


Steve Perez --ex ET53 UJP--VK 3

I think thats BTR prep from UK?


Stephen Moore --EK52 NWN

is ran by http://www.aliburrowsmotorsport.com

[rwssport]

XS Racing may also be involved with the Perez Focus -- saw an entry list recently where this team was noted as one of the entrants alongside VK Vodka Kick.

[rwssport]

Willie Stobart was using EU 55 BNA on the Pendragon Stages today

[Simmi]

Willie Stobart was using EU 55 BNA on the Pendragon Stages today
Paddy White was on the entrylist. Did he make the start because I dont think he finished?

[MadCat]

Engine failure for Paddy White I think. Not 100% positive on that though

[Jr.]

EX02 OBB - sold to Steve Perez (2003), sold to Henning Solberg(2005) re-registered as RJ 42247, sold to Andreas Mikkelsen(2006)

The car is now sold to Paal Try / Svein Frustol who will be sharing the drive. Here an image from their debut last weekend:

http://www.team-itweb.no/images/arkiv/20070825/0196.jpg

[witto6]

13 Focus's doing Catalunya Rally, is this a record number on a event?

[Simmi]

13 Focus's doing Catalunya Rally, is this a record number on a event?

It may drop down to 12 if Eamonn Boland decides to use his newly acquired Impreza. It would still be a record as previously 11 (Finland 07) was the highest number.

[Langdale Forest]

There were 11 Ford WRC in Finland so it probably is a record.

[witto6]

Hugh Hunter has bought Paul Benns car (Y4 FMC), he will be using it for the Plains this weekend.

[Simmi]

Ok time to drag this thread back up.

The big news being there are 16 Focus WRC entered in the inaugral Rally Ireland. Nice to see such a large number and a lot of the Irish guys making their WRC debuts.

Surprises are Eamonn Boland in an 06 Focus. It looked to me like he had ditched Ford power for a Subaru but it's nice to see him in a top car.
It will be also interesting to see which car Darren Gass brings out. Hopefully he has bought an 04 car and will do a full Irish programme in it next year.

More Irish news is that apparently Stephen Moore is selling his car (EK52 NWN) to Connor McCloskey and is buying an 06 car from M-Sport for himself for next year.
http://www.rallynews.net/News/News07/Oct07/irishnotes17.10.07.html

[noel157]

I believe Boland had ordered an 07 Focus a few months back which will not be delivered for a few months. M-Sport have lent/hired him an 06 model so he can get some seat time in. As far as I know he still has the 05 Focus and the S12.
I think Stephen Moore plans to do alot of UK forestry events in 08 in the new 06 Focus.
No idea which car Gass plans to use.

[Micke_VOC]

Can someone tell me please which team run/prepare the following cars?

Ford Focus WRC 00/01/02

Eddie Horbing --ex EX02 OBD-- AGU 161
Jonas Kruse --ex S11 FMC - WOB 099
Mats Jonsson --ex V9 FMC --XOK 394


Eddie´s car is running/prepare by himself and team.

Jonas Kruses car is own by Tommy " Sillefararn" Andersson and run/prepare by his own team. ( The same people who is Renault Team in JRC with Clio R3, Kruse is the team manager there)

Mats Jonsson dont run this car anymore, the car was a loan from Tommy " Sillefararn" Andersson , now the car is back to him again.
Now maybe been drive by Mats Karlsson ...

[MadCat]

Was reported in Motorsport News this week that Rob Atkinson (team manager of Ramsport) is wanting Andreas Mikkelsen to do either the Bulldog Rally or Cambrian Rally in a new 2006 Focus WRC. But only as Course Car. Bulldog was today and as far as im aware Mikkelsen wasnt there so there's hope that the Clerk of Course for the Cambrian will allow him to be there!

[MikeD]

Hi all,

maybe you can help me with these questions regarding Eamonn Boland.

a.) Bolands Focus in Rally Monte Carlo was prepared by Dom Buckley, right?

b.) Was his Subaru Impreza WRC in Rally Catalunya also prepared by Dom Buckley?

c.) The 06 Focus he will use in Rally Ireland, will that also be prepared by Dom Buckley or will that be run/prepared by M-Sport (under the Stobart banner) like Bettega in Corsica?

Thanks in advance ;)

[Roy]

Hi all,

maybe you can help me with these questions regarding Eamonn Boland.

a.) Bolands Focus in Rally Monte Carlo was prepared by Dom Buckley, right?

b.) Was his Subaru Impreza WRC in Rally Catalunya also prepared by Dom Buckley?

c.) The 06 Focus he will use in Rally Ireland, will that also be prepared by Dom Buckley or will that be run/prepared by M-Sport (under the Stobart banner) like Bettega in Corsica?

Thanks in advance ;)

If Boland drive with the EU55 BNA, the same Bettagea drive, it will be prepaired by M-Sport. I don't think there is another Focus 06 free (offcourse the EU55 BMY, but that is van Merksteijn his car.)

[MikeD]

If Boland drive with the EU55 BNA, the same Bettagea drive, it will be prepaired by M-Sport. I don't think there is another Focus 06 free (offcourse the EU55 BMY, but that is van Merksteijn his car.)

Thanks,

I have just heard that Dom Buckley will most likely run the car for Boland in Rally Ireland - and that Dom Buckley also ran the car for van Merksteijn in the two tarmac WRC events this year. (I thought that it was his own VM Motorsport that ran that car)

Have any of you heard the same?

PS: Andreas Mikkelsen will also have an 06' Focus for Rally GB.

[Roy]

Dom Buckley prepared the car of van Merksteijn. Yes.

[MadCat]

Boland has bought an 06 Focus and will debut it at a rally in Ireland this coming weekend (the name escapes me). Unsure of who will prepare it.

[Simmi]

Irish rally notes reports that the car might not actually be ready for the Fastnet which is a shame. Hopefully he will get some testing time in before the big event.

[c4]

15 focuses now for RI as according to MSN Darren Gass using a DMG Subaru.

[Roy]

For your Focus WRC drivers administration.

In the number two Munchi's World Rally Car entry, codriver Jorge Companc had to remain in Argentina for personal family reasons. On this event he was replaced by the team's trainee codriver Jorge Diaz. (Same as in Acropolis).

Source: Rally Japan

[Roy]

Again That 1ES story is not good for my health ;) and administration. In Japan No 1ES liscence plate :bounce:
But the sign EJ56 FZV in this rally give me some answers. Is the administration of Jaanus ok? His site will said in last tarmac rallies he drive the same car. I don't think it will be ok.
Well at least this rally no 1ES!

[Simmi]

I know this might be a long shot but does anyone know which car Gareth Jones used this weekend on the Fastnet stages? It was either his own or a Ramsport car but I'm not sure which. He went off early so finding a picture is proving difficult.

[c4]

I know this might be a long shot but does anyone know which car Gareth Jones used this weekend on the Fastnet stages? It was either his own or a Ramsport car but I'm not sure which. He went off early so finding a picture is proving difficult.

Believe was same car as Catalunya but can't be 100%.

On another point, appears only 13 Focuses for RI. Fleming has withdrawn and Paddy White looks set to drive a McKinstry Subaru, according to local press.

[c4]

As I mentioned in another thread, Boland set to use first RHD 06 in RI.

[c4]

Believe was same car as Catalunya but can't be 100%.

On another point, appears only 13 Focuses for RI. Fleming has withdrawn and Paddy White looks set to drive a McKinstry Subaru, according to local press.

After seeking clarification Paddy White will use Focus, so 14 for RI. A record just about.

[Jaanus]

I just got info that Y3 FMC is sold to George Tracey.
Best of luck to him with his new car :up:

[Roy]

http://www.irish-rallying.com/download_redir.php?download_id=071109_124708

Noel McCarrick in a Focus for Rally Ireland (?) According the entry list he drives a Subaru.

http://www.irish-rallying.com/article.php?article_id=060705/123554
George Tracey to use a Ford Focus WRC (no Peugeot)

[rwssport]

http://www.irish-rallying.com/download_redir.php?download_id=071109_124708

Noel McCarrick in a Focus for Rally Ireland (?) According the entry list he drives a Subaru.

http://www.irish-rallying.com/article.php?article_id=060705/123554
George Tracey to use a Ford Focus WRC (no Peugeot)

From the pic I've seen it looks like a RHD Focus that McCarrick has - possibly Boland's 05 car??

[Jaanus]

I currently have 16 Focus WRC cars for Ireland I hope that is correct.
I see that Noel McCarrick is driving a 04/05 car so it could be EG53 BDU.
And I presume Tracy is driving his new Y3 FMC.

[c4]

I currently have 16 Focus WRC cars for Ireland I hope that is correct.
I see that Noel McCarrick is driving a 04/05 car so it could be EG53 BDU.
And I presume Tracy is driving his new Y3 FMC.

Correct - McCarrick is driving Bolands 04 and Tracy in Y3 FMC, so 16 focuses at present.

[Jaanus]

Finally it seems there will be 15 Focus WRC cars :(

Eamonn Boland will use his S12 Subaru for Rally Ireland, instead of his newly acquired Ford Focus WRC.

http://www.irish-rallying.com/article.php?article_id=060705/123554

[Simmi]

Anyone got any idea about the car Dave Weston will drive for Wales. It might possibly be a typo in the entrylist and it may be his 02 car he used there last year. I'm wondering if he maybe could use a rented Ramsport car as he used to (still does?) have his car run by those guys. Or maybe he's bought a car off someone. It will be interesting to find out either way.

[Micke_VOC]

Ford Focus -01 V4 FMC ( XDF 655) is sold to Jonas Wigren from Eddie Höbring.

[Simmi]

I dont think it has been mentioned here that we are about to see a large amount of top spec Focus WRC's in action at Wembley for the Race of Champions. Not sure how many will be used exactly or if they will have their numberplates showing.

Either way it will be nice to see a break in the French-bias in the event from the past few years.

[MikeD]

Does any of you know if it's Ramsport or Dom Buckley that is preparing Gareth Jones's Focus in Wales?

[Simmi]

Does any of you know if it's Ramsport or Dom Buckley that is preparing Gareth Jones's Focus in Wales?

He is using the Ramsport car he used in Ireland. Reports are that Gareth will be doing a lot more business with the team next year.

[Roy]

Maybe not the right thread. But can someone told me shortly who Gareth Jones is?
What is his age,
goal for WRC,
what national result he got,
what does he before or besides rallying, etc.?

Thnx!