Warmbold wins M-Sport Focus challenge.

German driver, Antony Warmbold has secured the M-Sport Focus Challenge with one points-scoring round to go.

With his closet rival, Janne Tuohino from Finland electing not to start in Catalunya, the challenge has been won by Warmbold in the AW Motorsport, Ford Focus WRC.

"This has been a tactical fight throughout the year where we have had to think carefully about the events to nominate," said Warmbold. "Through all his experience on gravel, Janne has had the advantage on this surface, however, we were confident that we could redress the balance on tarmac.

"It would have been nice to have had a straight fight in Catalunya where I feel we could have had the advantage, but we are delighted to have secured the challenge in Corsica."

The prize is to join the M-Sport Team to drive a Ford Focus WRC03 on a European round of the 2005 WRC with full support from the Dovenby Hall based team.

Malcolm Wilson, managing director of M-Sport and team principal of the BP-Ford World Rally Team commented: "This has been a close, tactical battle between Antony and Janne all season. Both drivers have driven very well throughout the season, with both scoring WRC drivers points in 2002 versions of the Ford Focus.

"In all, 10 drivers from all over Europe have competed and it has been good to see the Focus once again providing a reliable and competitive base for these drivers to showcase their talents."