Arena complete first shakedown of new WTCC Ford Focus

The car, based on the Global Ford Focus which won twice in the BTCC in 2011, conforms to WTCC regulations including a 1.6 engine and spec Yokahama rubber.

The car is set to hit the track again in the UK at the end of January, before undergoing an extensive testing programme in Spain the following month.

Away from the circuit it will go through further wind tunnel developments and work will also be completed on revised suspension components ahead of an FIA technical inspection later this month.

"It has been very exciting to see the development of this new car," Arena driver Tom Chilton said.

"Of course we're already very familiar with the new Focus, having won races with it in 2011, but there are certain elements which make the WTCC version a different challenge from a driver's perspective.

"We had our first proper shakedown with the car just before Christmas and hearing the new 1.6 engine fire up was pretty exciting in itself! The engine was incredibly impressive even on its first run and I can't wait to see what else it can do when we get our full test programme underway.

"We've got a lot of work ahead of us, but it's great to have such a new challenge."

Team principal Mike Earle said adapting to WTCC rubber and regulations had proved the biggest hurdle for the team, and explained that factory work will continue to be the focus in January.

"The team have been working very hard to get the new WTCC car together in time for testing," Earle said. "There are more restrictions on the WTCC car than there are on the BTCC version so we've had to change a few elements, and of course the tyres and engine are completely different.

"The shakedown before Christmas went well, and we're going to be using the majority of January to work on the car in the factory before getting our test programme fully underway on track."

Arena is expected to announce its driver line-up for its 2012 WTCC bid in the coming weeks, with Chilton expected to lead the attack.