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Ford Focus ST Has Scarry Nurburgring Near Crash while Chasing Jaguar F-Type SVR

When choosing a tool for blitzing the Nurburgring, a machine like the Ford Focus ST seems like a safe bet, since the front-wheel-drive nature of the hot hatch should keep one safe. However, the typical understeer of the FWD setup doesn't mean you can't get the back out.
Ford Focus ST Has Scarry Nurburgring Near Crash 5 photos
Photo: DR ST250/YouTube
Ford Focus ST Has Scarry Nurburgring Near CrashFord Focus ST Has Scarry Nurburgring Near CrashFord Focus ST Has Scarry Nurburgring Near CrashFord Focus ST Has Scarry Nurburgring Near Crash
Keep in mind that we're not refering to the times when the driver intentionally puts on his or her dancing shoes. Instead, we're talking about lift-off oversteer, a phenomenon that can easily send the car sideways. And, given the almost non-existent runoff areas of the Green Hell, such a moment can easily result in a serious crash.

We've brought along an example of such an intense moment - fortunately, the adventure we have here doesn't include an accident, showcasing a near crash instead.

The machine we're looking at is an Mk III Ford Focus ST, with this having been prepped for the track. To be more precise, the hot hatchback packs a H&R Clubsport suspension with a custom setup, while the driver's confidence is boosted with the help of a Recaro Pole Position seat and a rollcage supplied by Wiechers.

Speaking of the driver, the YouTuber behind the wheel seems to know his way around manhandling a car on the Nordschleife, with the man flying from one rumble-strip to the other.

Alas, the said lift-off oversteer took place during one of his laps: the Focus ST had just completed a serious deceleration and, when the driver steered into the bend, the rear end came loose. The man took swift countersteer action and managed to bring the back end in line, while also preventing it from sliding the other way.

Note that the ST was battling the Jaguar F-Type SVR Ring Taxi at the time of the incident, with the hot hatch putting up quite a fight against the 575 hp beast.

P.S.: Those of you who are in a hurry should know that they can head over to the 3:50 point of the video for the white-knuckle moment. However, the rest of the clip is also worthy of your attention, since it's packed with Ring-blitzing action.

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About the author: Andrei Tutu
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In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist.
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