The Mondeo was Ford's first full works entry into the BTCC after the switch to the 2 litre formula in 1990. Andy Rouse Engineering (ARE), who had previously built and run the all conquering Sierra Cosworth, was selected to design and run the cars for the 1993 season.

The decision by Ford to re-enter the BTCC came very late in 1992, leaving ARE very little time to develop cars for the following season. The fact that the Mondeo had not even gone into production at this point was also an issue, with ARE having to build their initial development cars from two of Ford's pre-production test vehicles. They would also have to run with ARE prepared development engines as the planned Cosworth race versions were not due till mid-season.

The reason that Rouse could choose either format was due to a loophole in the rules which enabled a manufacturer, who had a 4X4 version of the car, to disconnect drive to either set of wheels. A 4 wheel drive Mondeo was scheduled for manufacture in late 1993 and Rouse took advantage of this.

Unfortunately, the development cars were well off the pace. The problem was that the rules did not allow the transverse engine layout to be changed, so drive from the engine had to be routed through a series of 90 degree gears to get power to the rear wheels. The amount of power loss through these gears was more than the car could cope with and its performance suffered badly as a result.