Although the Ford Fiesta S2000 – the car on which it is based on – has been completed for quite some time, the RS WRC version now ran with a 1.6 turbocharged engine, as stated in the technical rulebook for the upcoming season.
In addition to the mandatory turbocharger that the FIA agreed upon for the next season, the 1.6 engine featured the same engine block, conrods, pistons and crankshaft that will be used on the 2011 spec car. However, the team still needs to set up the electronics of the car, so a further test will be needed this month in order to get a final data sheet on the new engine.
“We will continue to steadily introduce 2011 components as our test programme goes on,” said team boss Malcolm Wilson, who explained his progressive development strategy this season.
“We still have much to do before the car's WRC debut in Sweden next February, but I'm hugely encouraged by what we have achieved so far. To hear the positive comments from the drivers during the test was fantastic. All the hard work during the design and development process begins to bear fruit when the drivers get behind the wheel,” added the Brit after the 2000km test through the past couple of weeks.
A complete 2011-spec Ford Fiesta RS WRC is believed to make its debut in September this year, also in parallel with the ongoing WRC campaign. Depending on how the championship will be going by that time, we believe it's a strong chance Ford will dedicate more of their time to the 2011 machine than the Focus RS WRC.
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