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From wrc.com
Malcolm Wilson believes the new price-capped R5 specification rally car is a big step forward for the sport and could eventually become the top category of vehicle in the World Rally Championship.
Wilson made the comments as his M-Sport firm unveiled its new Ford Fiesta - the first R5 specification car to be launched.
The car, which costs 180,000 Euros, is expected to be homologated by the FIA on July 1st and will make its WRC competitive debut in Finland with Elfyn Evans at the wheel.
The turbocharged 1600cc four-wheel drive Fiesta R5 will compete in the WRC 2 category, alongside Super 2000 and Regional Rally Car (RRC) machinery.
Before Finland, Thierry Neuville will demonstrate the R5 as a course car at the European championship Ypres Rally in July.
“I really believe it's a big step for rallying for the future,” Wilson told wrc.com.
“I'm so excited about the car and also about the concept going forward, It's going to provide a lot of performance for a very realistic cost.”
“With the proper driver this car is going to surprise a lot of people. It's going to be quicker everywhere than a Super 2000 car and a lot of places it will be quicker than a regional car.
“Put it this way, I don't believe there's ever been a way for a young driver to drive a competitive car for so little money.
“I think that the R5 is a very strong car and has got the potential to become the top model in the future.”
Further R5 models are expected to be homologated this year, with Skoda, Peugeot and Citroen all currently developing cars.
Malcolm Wilson believes the new price-capped R5 specification rally car is a big step forward for the sport and could eventually become the top category of vehicle in the World Rally Championship.
Wilson made the comments as his M-Sport firm unveiled its new Ford Fiesta - the first R5 specification car to be launched.
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| Photo: M-Sport |
The car, which costs 180,000 Euros, is expected to be homologated by the FIA on July 1st and will make its WRC competitive debut in Finland with Elfyn Evans at the wheel.
The turbocharged 1600cc four-wheel drive Fiesta R5 will compete in the WRC 2 category, alongside Super 2000 and Regional Rally Car (RRC) machinery.
Before Finland, Thierry Neuville will demonstrate the R5 as a course car at the European championship Ypres Rally in July.
“I really believe it's a big step for rallying for the future,” Wilson told wrc.com.
“I'm so excited about the car and also about the concept going forward, It's going to provide a lot of performance for a very realistic cost.”
“With the proper driver this car is going to surprise a lot of people. It's going to be quicker everywhere than a Super 2000 car and a lot of places it will be quicker than a regional car.
“Put it this way, I don't believe there's ever been a way for a young driver to drive a competitive car for so little money.
“I think that the R5 is a very strong car and has got the potential to become the top model in the future.”
Further R5 models are expected to be homologated this year, with Skoda, Peugeot and Citroen all currently developing cars.