-==Turbo Diesel.co.uk - The Ford Focus Turbo Diesels==-

    Ford & BP supplied Diesel-Powered Focus Safety Cars for Rally of GB

Ford and BP joined forces to provide organisers of the 2003 Wales Rally GB with two specially adapted Focus cars to head up their rigorous safety programme for the final round of the FIA World Rally Championship, both cars powered by BP Ultimate diesel, an advanced fuel which offers reduced CO2 emissions and improved performance.

The cars were used as the 0 and 00 safety cars, driven through the speed tests in the forests of South Wales just minutes before the world's leading rally drivers tackled the same roads at competitive speeds. Their role was a crucial one, allowing organisers to make a final safety check of road conditions, spectator positioning and timing equipment before the special stages are opened to competitors.
 
Ford Focus 1.8 Turbo Diesel safety rally cars
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The 1800cc turbocharged Focus cars, liveried in a familiar Ford Team RS and BP design, were prepared to Group N rally specification at Ford Rallye Sport's Boreham facility. Features include Sparco race seats, full race harness for drivers and co-drivers, a roll cage, plumbed-in fire extinguishers, electrical cut off switches and underbody protection for the sump and differentials. They also featured bigger front brakes, a limited slip differential and revised final drive gearing to provide better low speed acceleration.

Ford Team RS director Jost Capito said the company was delighted to make the cars available to Wales Rally GB. "Safety is the most important aspect of rallying and Ford was delighted to make a contribution towards the impressive safety plan put in place by the organisers," he said.

Philip New, BP's director of product strategy, said the company was pleased to showcase BP Ultimate diesel in rallying. "BP is delighted to use the opportunity of the first diesel safety cars in rallying, powered with BP Ultimate Diesel, to demonstrate publicly that the new generation of diesel technology and diesel fuels now offer all drivers a winning combination of performance and reliability, combined with a significant reduction in noise and harmful emissions such as hydrocarbons, smoke and CO2," he said.

                                 Focus Rally Diesel Safety car wallpaper
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                                                  Story source: www.fordrallyesport.com