Last updated at 20:19, Thursday, 19 November 2009

M-SPORT at Dovenby played host to the world’s media this week as it unveiled its new rally car.

Malcolm Wilson, managing director, said that the new sleek, royal blue-trimmed Ford Fiesta would be the next winning car to roll off the Ford production line.

The launch of the Fiesta S2000, due to make its debut at the Rally of Scotland this week, marks the culmination of nine months work by the team at M-Sport, led by technical director Christian Loriaux.

Malcolm Wilson, managing director, was joined by Ford of Europe's senior manager of motorsport Gerard Quinn, who welcomed the launch and underlined the long, successful partnership that has been built between the two companies.

Mr Wilson said: “I believe that we have produced a fantastic rally car. and this launch is a big step to seeing it out competing in rallies.It’s the first time in five years that we have been able to offer a Ford rally car that can challenge for overall victory in national championships across the world.”

Britain's World Rally Championship star Matthew Wilson, son of Malcolm Wilson, has been heavily involved in testing the vehicle after the first car rolled off the production line last month.

He said: “It’s a fantastic car and I am pleased that I have been able to play a major part in its launch.”

“There are still improvements that can be made but it is a great car.”

The Fiesta S2000 will be sold to customers competing in national and international rally championships across the globe and M-Sport expect to sell 50 within the next year.

The Fiesta S2000 is the second new car to be launched by M-Sport this year, following the success of the Fiesta R2, which has taken class victories in rallies across Europe.The arrival of the Fiesta S2000 means that rally competitors can now progress through the ranks from national to international level in Ford rally cars.Mr Wilson said: “This is a great car and I am proud to be able to say that I am the only person to drive every Ford rally car. I started in the mark one Ford Escorts and after driving this I know it will be another winning car and it will continue are success in rallying.

First published at 19:23, Thursday, 19 November 2009
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk