The M-Sport squad has unveiled its striking Ford Fiesta WRC.

Triggering memories of the iconic Group B rallying era, the aggressive-looking Fiesta is expected to be a strong contender when the sweeping new regulations come into force for the World Rally Championship starting with the time-honoured Monte Carlo event next month.

Although yet to confirm its driver line-up the Fiesta WRC was tested by four-times WRC champ Sebastien Ogier in recent weeks.

The new machine is a completely fresh design that is claimed to produce at least 380bhp (283kW) and a prodigious 450Nm of torque.

The Cumbria squad has undertaken more than 6000km in testing as it strives to become the new benchmark to co-incide with the WRC’s exciting new regulations.

M-Sport Managing Director, Malcolm Wilson, who was conspicuously absent from the WRC finale at Rally Australia last month, is excited about the Fiesta’s prospects.

“Entering a new era in the FIA World Rally Championship, there is a real sense of excitement throughout the team, and rightly so as I believe we have created something extremely special in the new Ford Fiesta WRC,” Wilson said.

“Having driven the car myself, I can honestly say that it is one of the most impressive we have ever produced. It’s exciting to drive, it sounds fantastic and it looks absolutely sensational.”

The M-Sport unveil follows Hyundai’s gala launch of its 2017 i20 machine at Monza last week.