Discover this stunning Ford Focus RS WRC01 number 17 that made its mark at the 2001 Monte Carlo Rally. This faithful miniature accurately replicates the rally car that represented Ford's sporting commitment in the World Rally Championship in the early 2000s.
This reproduction is an authentic testament to the golden age of modern rallying, a time when manufacturers competed with ingenuity to develop ever more powerful and spectacular machines.
Features of the miniature
- Model : Ford Focus RS WRC01
- Brand : Ford
- Year : 2001
- Scale : 1/43
- Color : White with rally decoration
- Race number : 17
- Protective casing included : Yes
The Ford Focus RS WRC01 in rally history
The Ford Focus RS WRC01 was developed in 2001 as Ford's ultimate weapon to conquer the World Rally Championship. Based on the production Focus, this World Rally Car featured a 2.0-liter turbo engine delivering over 300 horsepower, paired with sophisticated all-wheel drive and a completely redesigned chassis for the event.
The 2001 Monte Carlo Rally presented a formidable testing ground with its winding roads, changing weather conditions, and mixed surfaces alternating between dry asphalt and snowy sections. This legendary event required exceptional versatility from both drivers and machines.
The Focus WRC01 stood out for its remarkable road handling and reliability, qualities that allowed Ford to achieve several victories that season and establish itself as a key player in the WRC championship.
Ford and the legacy of rallying
In 2001, Ford Motorsport was going through a period of renewal after temporarily withdrawing from the World Rally Championship. The return of the American manufacturer with the Focus marked a new ambition: to prove that technologies developed in competition could directly benefit production models.
Ford has an exceptional rally history dating back to the 1970s with the Escort, continuing through the 1980s and 1990s with the Sierra Cosworth and Escort Cosworth. The Focus WRC01 was part of this prestigious line, inheriting decades of competitive experience while incorporating the most modern technologies of the time.
Monte Carlo 2001: a legendary rally
The 2001 Monte Carlo Rally is remembered by enthusiasts for its unpredictable scenario. This edition took place under particularly challenging conditions, with significant temperature variations between different stages and constant weather changes complicating tire selection.
The Ford Focus number 17 competed in a context of intense competition against the Peugeot 206 WRC, Subaru Impreza WRC, and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution WRC. Each manufacturer had developed its own technical philosophy, creating an unrivaled spectacle for spectators gathered along the roads of the Nice hinterland.
This event also marked the entrance into a new technological era of rallying, with the widespread adoption of ultra-sophisticated all-wheel drive systems and electronically controlled suspensions. The Focus WRC01 perfectly embodied this evolution, combining raw power with technological refinement.
The unique atmosphere of Monte Carlo, with its night stages on the roads of the Principality and its morning specials in the Alpes-Maritimes, provided a magical setting for this technological battle between manufacturers, each team seeking the optimal setup to tame the whims of the 'Monte.'
Complete your miniature collection
This Ford Focus RS WRC01 holds a prime position in the world of rally miniatures. It fits perfectly alongside other WRC legends and serves as a privileged witness to the technical evolution of motorsport in the early 21st century.
Passionate collectors of Ford and race cars will appreciate this reproduction that complements other models in the WRC lineup. It also finds its place alongside 2000s miniatures, a prosperous era for the automotive industry and motorsport.
This miniature will delight both newcomers discovering the world of rallying and seasoned collectors seeking authentic models from this pivotal era. It also makes an excellent addition to themed collections dedicated to French motorsport and 1/43 scale miniatures.
