Unleashing the Ford Focus WRC: A Rally Racing Saga

- Authors
- Published on
- Published on
- Name
- By Dushyant
- (@dishs)
In this riveting Hagerty video, we are thrust into the heart-pounding world of rallying, specifically on the treacherous tarmac stages of Wales. The star of the show? The legendary Ford Focus WRC, a true beast of a machine that dances through the twists and turns with unparalleled agility and power. Developed in a mere seven months by a small but dedicated team led by the renowned Guenther Steiner, this car is a marvel of engineering brilliance.
As we hurtle through the narrative, we witness the Focus WRC's dominance in the World Rally Championship, with iconic drivers like Colin McRae and Carlos Sainz pushing it to its limits. The video delves into the car's unique features, from its control blade rear suspension to the turbocharged engine that propels it to victory. But it's not just about the specs; it's about the heart-pounding experience of driving this machine, feeling the raw power beneath your fingertips.
But the story takes a dramatic turn as we are reminded of McRae's harrowing crash in Corsica, a moment that tested not just his physical limits but his sheer determination to get back behind the wheel. The video then seamlessly transitions to the road-going counterpart, the Focus RS, drawing parallels between the rally and road versions. From the aerodynamic design to the shared components like Sparco seats and OZ racing wheels, the connection between these two machines is undeniable, showcasing the true essence of Ford's rally heritage.

Image copyright Youtube

Image copyright Youtube

Image copyright Youtube

Image copyright Youtube
Watch Driving The Mk1 Ford Focus WRC and RS: Two Rally and Road Legends | Henry Catchpole #TheDriversSeat on Youtube
Viewer Reactions for Driving The Mk1 Ford Focus WRC and RS: Two Rally and Road Legends | Henry Catchpole #TheDriversSeat
Commenters praise the transition at the end of the video between the modern rally car sound and the sound of the same car 20+ years ago
Mention of various iconic rally cars like the Maturo Stradale, Delta S4, and Prodrive P25
Appreciation for Henry Catchpole's commentary and driving skills
Nostalgia for classic rally video games like Colin McRae Rally 2.0
Excitement and adrenaline from watching the rally video
Fond memories of past rally legends like Richard Burns, Marcus Grönholm, Petter Solberg, and Colin McRae
Positive comments on the production quality and content of the video
The underrated status of the MK1 Focus as a driver's car
Recognition of the legendary status of the Ford RS rally car
Some comments about specific moments in the video, like a desktop wallpaper-worthy shot at 13:35 and a rescue team at 12:45
Related Articles

1966 Ford F100 Restoration: Engine Rebuild and Truck Revival
Witness the restoration of a rare 1966 Ford F100 with a 300 cubic inch straight six engine in Michigan's Hagerty video. After a rebuild, the engine fires up smoothly, ready to be reunited with the truck undergoing rust repairs. Stay tuned for the exciting process of reuniting the cab with the frame.

The Evolution of the Jeep Cherokee: Shaping the SUV Landscape
Explore the groundbreaking impact of the Jeep Cherokee, a trailblazer in the SUV world. Discover how its innovative design and performance set a new standard for efficiency, ride quality, and handling, shaping the modern automotive industry.

Unveiling the Legacy: Mark I Ford Escort's GT40 Roots and Modern Revival
Explore the fascinating history of the Mark I Ford Escort with Hagerty, from its GT40-inspired modifications to Boreham Motorworks' modern reimagining. Learn about Alan Mann's racing legacy and the exciting revival of missing GT40 lightweight cars.

Exploring Radwood and Broad Arrow Auctions at Amelia Island Concourse
Hagerty explores the unique charm of Radwood and Broad Arrow auctions at the Amelia Island Concourse, celebrating nostalgia and rare finds in the automotive world. Discover the allure of classic cars and the passion of enthusiasts in this captivating journey.