Ford formally unveiled their 2006 world rally car on Thursday with the aim of challenging for the championship in 2007.

"It is unrealistic to expect us to win a world title next year, the car is too new for that," said team director Malcolm Wilson after the new Focus was launched at the Bologna motor show in Italy.

"But I fervently believe that we will win rallies and lay a solid platform for a world championship bid in 2007 and 2008," he added.

Ford have signed former champion Marcus Gronholm from Peugeot, who have now left the sport. His team mate will be fellow Finn Mikko Hirvonen.

Ford tested the new Focus in last month's season-ending Australian Rally, winning two speed tests and finishing sixth overall with Czech driver Roman Kresta.