Behind the gleaming livery adorning the new NAPA Racing UK Ford Focus Titanium Saloon lies a story of paddock politics, intense rivalries, and a desperate search for straight-line parity.

Following a winter of speculation, Alliance have officially unveiled a render of the reworked Focus, meaning that a move to a bespoke RWD machine is now off the cards in the immediate future.

The squad have for the moment abandoned its high-profile pursuit for a replacement of the Focus, which has been central to a large amount of rumours since the paddock vetoed their attempt to convert an Audi from AWD to RWD, with the older machine being reborn as a car that will fit the current NGTC regulations and the updated rules set for introduction in 2027.

“The ultimate goal is to reduce aerodynamic drag,” admits Lead Engineer Antonio Carrozza, addressing the paddock’s curiosity during the reveal. “We highlighted that as an area we wanted to address last season to offset the straight-line deficits we saw. While many elements remain the same, this new shape allows us to fine-tune the car into a true championship challenger again.”

The frustration from last season was palpable, particularly from four-time champion Ash Sutton and departing teammate Dan Rowbottom, who were quite vocal with the fact that the championship had devolved into an “engine formula.” They argued that the Swindon-built engines powering the Excelr8/Hyundai machines held a distinct advantage that the Focus hatchback’s “brick-like” profile could not overcome.

‘One element of the new 2027+ homologation requirements (i.e. that which permits the use of cars not currently sold in the UK) has been brought forward a year for this project, allowing the team to use the saloon version of the Focus. This was unanimously approved by all the existing teams and TOCA some months ago, prior to the team embarking on the change.’ – BTCC

By utilising a future-proofing clause from the 2027 technical regulations – which allow teams to run any model from a brand sold in the UK, not just the specific hatchback – NAPA has transformed the car. The saloon profile is designed specifically to reduce drag and claw back that crucial top-end speed at circuits like Thruxton and Silverstone.

Despite the technical pivot, the driver lineup remains a powerhouse. Sutton leads the charge, hungry for a record-breaking fifth title, joined by Dan Cammish who is determined to finally grab his first. Sam Osborne, and newcomer Lewis Selby will likely act as wingmen if the new Focus lives up to expectations.

Team Owner Pete Osborne hasn’t hidden the effort required to pivot to this new Ford iteration. “We’ve had a very busy winter reworking the Focus into a virtually new car. Everyone is very excited for this year, and we’ll be doing our best to get the number one back on our car.”

NAPA/Alliance are no stranger to implementing huge overhauls. The squad turned the Focus hatchback into a record breaking machine over the winter of 2022/23. The new iteration will not just be a change of shape, but a change of philosophy as the car not only becomes sleeker, but also lighter. Adding in the already known quantity of the Mountune engine ensures that the Focus will remain relevant as the championship moves further away from the Hatchback concept that has dominated in recent years, as displayed by Plato Racing bringing forth the out-of-production Mercedes A35 saloon and PMR bringing in the Audi S3.

With the first shakedowns imminent, the question remains: will the saloon’s slippery shape be enough to topple the “Engine Kings” at Excelr8, or will the BTCC arms race moved back towards aerodynamics?