Motorsport: Details of 2002 Ford Focus C'ship announced

The inaugural Ford Focus Championship, announced at last evening's presentation of awards for the 2001 Ford Ka Challenge, will consist of five 2-day events.

The two litre normally aspirated two-wheel drive, Group A car (homologated) car will cost in the region of €25,000.

The events are set to include a number of the Irish international rallies.

The overall winner will receive €4,000 and an automatic entry for the Ford shoot-out competition top join the Ford Junior World rally team.

In addition, the winner will also test a Ford Focus WRC.

Event winners will receive €1,100 with €500, €300 and €200 to the second third and fourth placed driver.

The Ford Focus Championship is the logical "next step" for the present Ford Ka competitors and also offers drivers to continue to compete in a structured manner.

The Ford Ka and Ford Focus Championships will be promoted by Protec Racing and are fully supported by Ford of Ireland.

Meanwhile, the 2002 Ford of Ireland Ka Championship will consist of seven rounds - five on tarmac and two forest rallies.

Today's Castlecourt Single Stage Rally in Westport is being led by Eugene Ferry.

His Escort was fastest over the Partry Mountain stage where he recorded a time of nine minutes and six seconds - eleven seconds faster than Thomas McGovern, also in an Escort.

The Toyota of Paul Gallagher, is a further three seconds adrift.