With back-to-back manufacturer titles in 2006 and 2007 and 44 wins overall, the Ford Focus has been a devastating force in the FIA’s World Rally Championship (WRC) competition. Recent changes in the sporting regulations have caused Ford of Europe to announce the retirement of the Focus from WRC racing.

For the 2011 season, the new contender will be the Ford Fiesta RS, whose public appearance was at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. With all-wheel drive and a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, the Fiesta will make its debut at Rally Sweden, the opening round of the 2011 Championship, on February 10 – 13.

Still, one does not retire a champion without a great tribute, so Ford of Europe has released a five minute long, action packed video, replete with jumps, crashes and all out action. You’ll even see the late Colin McRae put the boot to one Focus after a particularly frustrating run.

Aside from bringing international recognition and honors home to Ford, the Focus RS (Rallye Sport) model has been a popular, limited production version of the Focus in the United Kingdom and Europe.