Ford is set to return to the World Rally Championship as a works team from 2028

The official announcement marks the end of Ford’s 14-year hiatus as a fully-fledged works team in the World Championship.

Jim Baumbick, President of Ford Europe, and Mark Rushbrook, who, as Global Director, is responsible for all of Ford Racing’s racing and motorsport activities worldwide, including those in F1 and the World Endurance Championship, announced further details of the ‘Blue Oval’s’ return on Thursday at a press conference in Sardinia, alongside official representatives of the World Rally Championship.

Ford Europa-Chef Jim Baumbick verkündet die große Rallye-Offensive

Foto: Ford

“In rallying, Ford’s character is put to the ultimate test, and it is here that generations of fans come together to experience the thrill of a car tackling the impossible. We want our next generation of European vehicles to embody the same uncompromising sporting spirit,” explained Baumbick.

Ford will be working with M-Sport for its official return, continuing a partnership that dates back to 1997. The new top-flight rally car will be based on one of five multi-energy road cars being developed specifically for rallying, which are due to be launched in 2028 and 2029.

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Ford Racing-Chef Mark Rushbrook erkäuterte das zukünftige Rallye-Programm

Foto: XPB

Rushbrook went into more detail about Ford’s return to the premier class of rallying: “Whilst Ford Racing has been involved in motorsport for 125 years, we also have a 50-year legacy in rallying – including the countless victories and championships won by the Escort and Focus models. We can’t wait to compete in top-flight rallying again from 2028 onwards.”

Looking ahead to the coming seasons, he added: “The timing is very favourable, as a new era is dawning in the World Rally Championship: we now have some very visionary organisers coming on board. With the new regulations for 2027, the FIA has introduced more cost-effective, intelligent rules.”

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The plan is to support the British company M-Sport from 2027 onwards. This will allow the team to compete in the top flight with a Ford Fiesta under the new rules. The new FIA regulations make this possible. Rally2 cars will be permitted to compete in the top class in 2027 and 2028 with a special WRC kit.

In 2028, support will be provided with the manufacturer’s full works commitment. Rushbrook added: “This includes our engineering, our powertrain, aerodynamics and testing resources. In 2029, there will be a completely new WRC works car, which will be derived directly from Ford Europe’s upcoming vehicle portfolio.”

Aktuell setzt M-Sport einen Ford Puma Rally1 in der WM ein

Foto: Red Bull

Eric Boullier, CEO of WRC Promoter, commented: “Ford’s decision to return to the FIA World Rally Championship as a full-fledged works team is fantastic news. The brand has an extraordinary history in rallying and has been part of some of the sport’s most memorable moments.”

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “Today’s announcement marks another significant milestone for the FIA World Rally Championship. With a new organiser, three manufacturers who have already committed to the new technical regulations, and the confirmation that Ford is returning as a full-fledged works manufacturer, the next great era of rallying is in full swing.”

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