Less than six months after announcing the news that it would be producing a Fiesta S2000 rally car, M-Sport has completed the build of the first car on schedule and has begun an extensive testing programme. The Fiesta S2000 has been given its initial system checks close to M-Sport’s Cumbrian base and will continue testing in the UK before heading to mainland Europe for asphalt and gravel tests in the coming months.

Matthew Wilson was at the wheel for the first shakedown and will be among a number of drivers responsible for testing the vehicle during the condensed development programme scheduled for the remainder of 2009.

The team at M-Sport have worked closely with Ford of Europe’s small car design and development team to ensure that Ford’s kinetic design elements were incorporated into the dynamic and aggressive looking car.

M-Sport Managing Director Malcolm Wilson said: “The production of a new rally car is always an exciting period for everyone at M-Sport and I’m pleased to see that Christian and his team have finished the build on schedule as planned. The important thing now is that we undertake a strong test and development campaign in order to provide our customers with the best possible S2000 package. I’m sure that this car will also provide a very strong base for Ford’s next generation WRC car.”

fiesta m sport S2000 wrc