Ford Fiesta Rallycross Makes US Debut

The first taste of the new Fiesta in the United States will come in the shape of the Rallycross version, as the car will make its racing debut at the annual Pike's Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado on July 19. The two Fiesta will race under the colors of the Swedish team Olsberg Motor Sport Evolution.

“The new Fiesta is an engaging, fun to drive car that is off to a very successful start in Europe and Asia. Thanks to Andreas Eriksson, we’re able to introduce the Fiesta to racing fans in the U.S. ahead of its launch in 2010,” Jim Farley, Ford marketing and communications vice president said.

The two Fiestas will be driven by Andreas Eriksson, four-time Swedish rally champion and Marcus Grönholm in the Unlimited Class at the event. Their goal is to become the first team to break the 10-minute mark over the 12.4 miles, 156-turn pavement and gravel course.

The Rallycross Fiesta are based on the street version of the new model. The all-wheel drive versions to race at Pike's Peak are powered by Ford's 2.0l Duratec engine developing – hold your breath – more than 800 horsepower...To manage the difficult terrain, the Fiesta got new suspensions, developed by Olsbergs Motor Sport Evolution, Öhlins and Ford of Europe’s Team RS engineers.

“We worked night and day all winter to get the Fiesta ready on time for the European championships, and it was great to see it score a hard-earned victory in Portugal at the start of May," Andreas Eriksson said. "We are excited to be bringing the car to Pike’s Peak and to be able to see what it can do in such a unique competition. It’s a legendary event, and we’ve already been there to take a look at the challenge we will face."

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