More news following Ford’s R&D test in Spain with Mikko Hirvonen

It now transpires that M-Sport were testing new 08 engine mods on the Focus as well as new S2000 parts, according to sources present. The test covered much mileage and was described as productive. Geometry settings were being assessed while a new aluminium diff guard was being tried out but kept getting damaged when Hirvonen was corner cutting on the Spanish tarmac. M-Sport will stick with the steel one as there was no difference concerning centre of gravity when ballast was added with the aluminium guard.

Ford were also testing some non ceramic parts in relation to the S2000 regulations, these parts included the use of non ceramic hubs and there were no reported problems. The Munchi's test next week in Finland will feature the cars using non ceramic hubs. It is also thought the 08 spec Focus will be homologated before Finland so will make it's debut there intead of Germany as previously thought. There will be no external differences to the 08 spec Focus just some minor engine modifications.

Pic by "Solberg" for www.wrcisfree.com from the R&D session in Spain

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