MOLLY’S WRC ACADEMY CAR – THE FORD FIESTA R2
Under the rules of the WRC Academy, all drivers compete in identical Ford Fiesta R2s prepared by rally specialists, M-Sport (the company behind the Ford world rally team).
To further ensure the competition is equal, the cars are fitted with control tyres from Pirelli. Molly drives a similar car in the British Rally Championship rounds, and other selected events. Under WRC rules, any changes to the car set-up, removing or adding parts, amendments, or modifications to the car that has been supplied (unless those changes are authorised) are strictly forbidden. Likewise, cutting or otherwise modifying the Pirelli tyres is also strictly forbidden.
The Ford Fiesta R2 is M-Sport’s first global rally car and is based on the production model Fiesta Sport Zetec 1.6. The M-Sport kit used to convert the car to rally specification includes engine parts to improve performance, and sports suspension tuning. The gearbox has also been replaced with a sequential five-speed gearbox mated to a limited-slip differential. The R2 also gets upgraded brakes and Reiger adjustable dampers and Eibach springs. Beyond these specific items, M-Sport has used as many standard Ford components as possible in order to reduce costs for competitors.
M-Sport has been Ford's partner in the WRC since 1997 and developed the record-breaking Focus RS WRC that won the World Rally Championship Manufacturers' title for Ford in 2006 and 2007. The knowledge gained from the development of that car and M-Sport’s expertise in design and engineering has been transferred to the creation of the Group R car.
Technical Specifications
- Donor vehicle:
Ford Fiesta 1.6 Sport / Zetec S. Model dated from September 2008 for purchase from any source. Promotional price available from M-Sport. - Engine:
1.6 Zetec 16V – 1598cc – Ti-VCT; 4 cylinders in line; DOHC; 16 valves; alloy cylinder head and block; variable cam timing. - Power:
170 PS @ 7,500 rpm from 97 octane fuel - Torque:
182 Nm @ 5,700 rpm - Transmission:
Five speed sequential gearbox developed by Sadev with plated limited slip differential and uprated driveshafts. ECU developed by Pi with flat shift feature with full throttle closed loop control shift. - Suspension:
Reiger adjustable dampers with Eibach springs, spherical jointed top mounts front and rear. Front dampers adjustable for bump and rebound.Standard rear beam with uprated mounts. 2-bolt clamped front upright. Adaptor pin mounted in uprights with spherical bearing connecting the lower arm. Five stud hub. - Brakes:
Gravel: (front): 285 mm AP ventilated discs with four piston competition calipers.
Asphalt: (front): 310 mm AP ventilated discs with four piston competition calipers.
Rear: 280 mm AP ventilated discs with single piston calipers. - Handbrake:
Hydraulic - Steering:
Electric power-assisted steering. - Wheels:
Gravel: OZ 6”x15” Gravel
Asphalt: OZ 6.5”x16” Asphalt - Bodyshell:
Welded T45 steel multipoint rollcage. Optimised seat position and integrated dash bar. Jacking points optional and seam welding is permitted. - Electronics:
Bespoke instrument cluster by Visteon in the same style as the standard series cluster. - Dimensions:
Length: 3953mm. Width: 1722mm. Height: 1481mm. Wheelbase: 2490mm. Weight: 1030kg.
MOLLY’S 2012 Rally Car
- To be announced soon !!
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