New Ford to make UK debut at Chatsworth.

The organisers of the inaugural Rally Show at Chatsworth have confirmed that Ford's new WRC car - the 2007 spec Focus WRC, will make its public debut in the UK at the show at the end of next month, September 29-30.

Although Ford team boss, Malcolm Wilson has yet to disclose who will be driving, it is apparently expected to be a 'headline name'.

It will be the first chance rally fans in the UK will get to see the car properly, prior to its competitive outing on the season ending, Wales Rally GB, the final round in the 2007 FIA World Rally Championship.

The car made its first appearance in the WRC earlier this month, when Marcus Gronholm and Mikko Hirvonen finished 1-2 on the Rally Finland.

In a separate development meanwhile, the organisers have revealed that almost two-thirds of the competitive entries for the show have now been filled - although entries will remain open for two more weeks, closing on September 7.

Paul Bird, the 2005 MSA National Gravel Rally champion, will be driving an ex-Petter Solberg Subaru WRC car.

His recent outing in the Stobart-liveried Subaru netted fourth place on the Rally Isle of Man. Bird's rally experience and outgoing personality should make him a favourite, not only for overall victory, but also with the spectators.

A number of historic cars will feature at the show too, under the 'History of Rallying' feature, ranging from the Alpine Rally-winning Jaguar XK120 (kindly supplied by the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust); a Ford Lotus Cortina to be demonstrated by David and Jill Sutton; a Nissan 240Z driven by "works" driver Tony Fall; an ex-Rauno Aaltonen Mini Cooper S (now owned by Bridgnorth's Peter Barker); an ex-Carlos Sainz Lancia Delta Integrale and an original 444bhp Audi quattro S1.

Twenty two drivers have signed up for 'Stage Sessions' in a variety of cars, including an MG Metro 6R4, two Porsche 911s,an Audi quattro and two Hawk HF kit cars (based on the emotive Lancia Stratos). There are seven remaining Stage session places.

Spectator tickets - available for either Saturday or Sunday or for both days - can be purchased in advance until Tuesday September 18.

A pre-purchased, two-day adult ticket is ?21, including an official programme worth ?5. Children aged 9-16 pay reduced rates; children under 9 (when accompanied by an adult) are admitted free.