The first-gen Ford Focus WRC may not be the most dramatic looking of all Ford rally cars, but it certainly wasn’t lacking in the power department. In fact, it boasts one of the fruitiest exhaust notes we’ve heard for a while, and thanks to this brilliant, quarter-hour compilation, you can enjoy it too.
M-Sport unveiled the model in 1999 as a replacement for the Ford Escort WRC, with the rally car derived from the Ford Focus Climate-package 2.0-litre road car. Despite its potent performance leading to several near-wins, the model never actually took the drivers or manufacturers title.
Three cars (in various liveries) share the spotlight in this brilliant video, comprising two ex-works cars and one privateer vehicle. Of the two ex-works models, one was driven by Colin McRae and Petter Solberg, whereas the other was piloted by Carlos Sainz Sr.
Watch in awe as they accelerate, crackle and growl at various historic rallies between 2013 and 2018, and thank YouTuber 19Bozzy92 for his unwavering dedication to motorsport.
Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a mid-morning helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: Experience a pre‑war Bugatti race with a 360‑degree view
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Historic rally