Motorbase Performance unveils brand new Focus RS challenger

Motorbase Performance has unveiled its brand new Ford Focus RS challenger, which it will use to contest the 2018 British Touring Car Championship campaign.

The team pulled the wraps off its striking new car earlier today [Thursday] at the Autosport International Show; showcasing the Focus' newly integrated RS bodywork.

Motorbase finished sixth in the teams' championship last season, largely courtesy of Mat Jackson's eighth place finish in the drivers' championship.

The Ford squad has since recruited Tom Chilton for the 2018 season but is yet to announce the remainder of its driver line-up.

"I’m delighted with the new look," said Motorbase Performance Team Principal David Bartrum.

"The cars have been upgraded to the RS over the winter which has rejuvenated the Focus. If it goes as well as it looks, then we’ll be very happy by the end of the season."

The introduction of Motorbase's brand new machine also means the iconic RS brand will return to the BTCC grid for the first time in over 25-years.

"I’m a Ford fan through and through," Bartrum continued.

"The RS in my DNA from when I raced RS Cosworth’s back in the day so I’m over the moon to bring them back to the BTCC as part of the Motorbase stable.

"The RS styling suits the BTCC bodywork so well, the styling is really aggressive and has given the Focus a whole new look.

"The team have done an excellent job over the winter, it’s not just been a case of updating a few bumpers, a lot of development work has gone into this car and we’re confident that the improvements will show on track."

The car will make its track debut next month as the outfit heads to Spain for its pre-season testing programme.