CHONGQING, China – The Bird's Nest Stadium in Beijing may be a long way from the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, but World Rally Championship (WRC) drivers, Mikko Hirvonen and Changan Ford driver Cao Hongwei, took time to help debut the Ford Focus Sporty Limited Edition that commemorates the off-road accomplishments of the sporty model.
Recognised by auto enthusiasts around the globe for its strong racing performance, the Focus will now also be offered in a new, limited edition model for the China market. The signature model, already easily recognisable for its kinetic design elements, will feature a specific red and black paint scheme with a unique graphics package. Only 1,500 units of the special edition will be available.
More than 400,000 Focus models have been sold in China since the car debuted there in September 2005.
BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team driver, Mikko Hirvonen, with victories in four consecutive stops this season, drove the Ford Focus Sporty Limited onto the stage on November 4.
“Focus has been a loyal partner in my WRC battles. I’m glad to know that more than 400,000 Chinese drivers have chosen the Ford Focus. This new limited model captures that passion for all of those sitting behind the wheel,” said Hirvonen.
Sixteen-year-old Cao Hongwei, a Changan Ford Racing Team driver who is still attending high school, was Hirvonen’s navigator in the event.
“I feel honoured to be able to unveil the car with such a famous driver like Hirvonen,” said Cao. “Thanks to Focus’ excellent performance, Changan Ford has won championships twice in the driver and team categories this year.”
Relying on the proven performance of Ford Focus, the Ford Team has won WRC championships in 2006 and 2007, and was runner-up in 2008 and 2009. Following the introduction of motorsports in China in 2006, the Changan Ford team was runner-up of the China Circuit Championship in 2007. The following season the team claimed the championship.
Ford has a long history in motorsport. In 1901, Henry Ford, founder of Ford Motor Company, competed personally for the first and only time in his life in an event against national speed champion Alexander Winton. Despite a car that was down on horsepower, Ford beat the champion with a more reliable entry that went the distance. For more than 100 years, Ford has been at the forefront of world motor sports.
The Ford Focus Sporty launch event also attracted a constellation of Focus fans, including up-and-coming director Zhang Yang and popular female actress Wang Luodan.
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| Cao and Mikko unveil the Focus Sporty Limited at Bird's Nest Stadium. |
Mikko poses with Focus. |
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| Mikko at Bird's Nest Stadium. |
Mikko gives a free driving lesson |