Team Hippo would like to introduce you to our newest rally car ahead of its public debut this week.
Driven by Tom Preston, Hippo Director, the Ford Fiesta R5 – Mark II is based on the road-going Ford Fiesta ST-Line. Masterminded by M-Sport, Malcolm Wilson’s Cumbria-based motorsport engineering company, it features a redesigned engine, transmission, brakes and electronics to ensure the Fiesta R5 is the best car in its class.
The 1.6 turbo charged engine delivers 290bhp and 475 Nm of torque at 4,000 RPM. The direct injection power plant is also fitted with a 32mm restrictor in conjunction with R5 regulations and provides a significant improvement in response and drivability.
Brand-new suspension components include front and rear McPherson struts with redesigned three‑way adjustable dampers from Reiger. The new aluminium damper bodies save considerable weight, and the geometry has been remodelled for optimised traction and stability.
A newly designed Sadev five-speed sequential gearbox mated to front and rear differential units is accompanied by hydraulic servo-assisted rack and pinion steering, and Brembo forged four-piston front and rear calipers provide the stopping power.
As a ground-up overhaul of our previous model M-Sport Fiesta, perhaps the most noticeable modifications are to the exterior of the car. The Mark II looks radically different to our older model thanks to a new front splitter design and a new central air vent on the bonnet, while at the rear a new diffuser and bumper has been added.
M-Sport Managing Director, Malcolm Wilson OBE, said: “The Ford Fiesta R5 is our most successful global rally car. It’s a very special car for M-Sport and even though the original cars continue to win rallies and championships all over the world, we have taken our time to ensure this new model is even better with performance gains in every area.”
“We’ve already thoroughly tested the Ford Fiesta R5 Mark II on track, now it’s finally time to put pedal to the metal on the rally stage.” commented Tom Preston.
And what a setting to put the Mark II through its paces. The Rallye Antibes Côte d’Azur is a 788km race which takes place from 6 – 9th October against the backdrop of the beautiful French Riviera.
You can follow all the action via the official rally website.
