Six Land Rover Freelanders have joined the Ford Focus World Rally Team. The 2.5 litre, 177 PS, V6 petrol engine powered vehicles have been prepared by M-Sport, who build the Ford Focus World Rally Cars for Ford Racing. The first event for the Freelanders will be the Safari Rally in July, 2001.

The Safari Rally is the longest, roughest and toughest event in the rally calendar and the Freelanders will be used by the Ford Focus World Rally Team drivers - including Colin McRae, fresh from his victory in the rally of Argentina, Carlos Sainz and François Delecour. The Freelanders will be used in the reconnaissance period prior to the rally when the drivers and co-drivers drive over the rally stages to produce and check the pace notes. Each vehicle will cover a distance of approximately 4,000 km of high speed driving in only three days.

Each Freelander has been prepared to enhance their ability to endure the unique challenges posed by the Safari Rally. The bodyshell has been seam welded and strengthened in key areas. A full, custom M-Sport roll cage has been integrated into the main stress points in the body shell. The chassis has also been strengthened and strut braces have been fitted to the front and rear. The standard Freelander V6 transmission of 5-speed automatic gearbox with Steptronic change has been retained.

A safari specification brush bar with mounts for additional spotlights has been fitted to the front of each car. The brush bar also supports the full-length, rally specification, aluminium sump guard. Kevlar sill protectors and a rear differential guard have also been fitted to protect the vehicle from the rocky environment.

To combat the extreme under bonnet temperatures likely to be experienced during this event a bonnet vent and additional transmission coolers have been fitted. A new air-box has been designed and external snorkels fitted for deep water wading. All windows have been covered with a reflective film to help the air conditioning system to maintain a comfortable air temperature inside the vehicles. A high capacity windscreen washer bottle has been fitted to ensure a clear screen at all times.

Custom-made OZ Racing wheels with Pirelli tyres are fitted with two spare wheels stowed inside the vehicle. Fully adjustable suspension has been incorporated into the specification to enable the drivers to tune the vehicles to the high speeds required in Africa. Links, cross-members and arms have also been strengthened, and engine mountings and gearbox mountings have been up-rated to cope with the fast, high impact loads likely to be experienced.

Due to the high fuel loads required for the long distances covered in Africa, a large 120 litre bag-tank with a carbon cover has been fitted inside the vehicle. Two dry cell batteries have been installed inside the car to achieve a more even weight distribution. The interior features two Sparco carbon kevlar seats with six-point harness seat belts, as used in the rally cars. The dashboard has an additional anti-glare coating and navigation equipment has also been fitted. Even a fridge has been installed for those vital cold drinks!

The vehicles were transported to Africa by sea in two customised 40ft containers, specially designed for this event.

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