Aspiring rally fans buckle up, as this is your chance to follow in the footsteps of Mikko Hirvonen, Jari-Matti Latvala or Ken Block. Already offered throughout Europe, the Ford Fiesta R2 rally package has now become available in the U.S. Those that buy the rally-prepped Fiestas will be able to compete in a new championship, called Fiesta Sport Trophy, in the Rally America Series 2WD class, starting from 2011.

The winner of the Fiesta Sport Trophy Championship will be awarded a ride in the R2 class in a Fiesta at Wales Rally GB and have the opportunity to compete in the Fiesta Sport Trophy International Shootout. The grand prize is a year's residential placement at M-Sport, working alongside the BP Ford World Rally team.

The R2 package was developed by M-Sport, Ford's long lasting WRC partner. A number of modifications were applied to the stock Fiesta, starting with the 1.6-liter Ti-VCT engine. New pistons, conrods, camshafts and other parts increased the small four-pot's output to 168 hp (125 kW) and 134 lb-ft (182 Nm), a 40% gain over the production model.

Other upgrades include a five-speed Sadev sequential gearbox, with flat shift gear cut, Reiger adjustable dampers paired with Eibach springs and ventilated disc brakes with four-piston calipers. Naturally, there's also a roll cage to protect the driver and navigator in case of an accident.

Besides the full R2 kit, there's also going to be a Stage 1 kit, offering drivers a lower-cost entry point. This too features a series of new parts and upgrades, like new ball joints and dampers, more power and a limited-slip differential.

The R2 package is now available for order through Team O'Neil Motorsports.

By Csaba Daradics

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