Big news from the world of rallying: Ford Racing has announced it will return to the World Rally Championship (WRC) as a full manufacturer in 2028 and will launch a new car for the 2029 season. The announcement was made at a press conference in Sardinia on Thursday by Ford Europe president Jim Baumbick and Ford Racing global director Mark Rushbrook, alongside WRC stakeholders.
This decision marks the end of Ford's 14-year absence as a full factory manufacturer in the series. Since last competing as a factory team in 2012, Ford has only provided limited support through M-Sport, its long-time partner since 1997. Now, that partnership will be elevated to a full manufacturer effort.
“Rallying is where Ford’s character faces its toughest test, and where generations of fans come to share the thrill of seeing a car take on the impossible,” said Baumbick. “We want our next generation of European vehicles to carry that same unapologetic spirit. Responsive, confidence-inspiring, and rewarding to drive on the roads people use every day.”
Ford is not just returning to compete but also on a mission to bring rally technology to the road. The new Rally1 car will be derived from one of five multi-energy, rally-bred road cars to be rolled out in 2028 and 2029. “It’s important that you know that ‘rally-bred’ for us is not just marketing words. We’re not talking about styling ads and things like that. This is a promise that we want to make to our customers,” Baumbick added.
Ford's plan is phased. In 2027, they will begin supporting M-Sport, which will campaign a Ford Fiesta under the new regulations. Then in 2028, support steps up to full factory backing, including engineering, powertrain, aerodynamics, and testing resources. The all-new car that will debut in 2029 will be derived directly from Ford Europe’s forthcoming rally-bred vehicle portfolio.
Mark Rushbrook emphasised that the timing is opportune. “As we celebrate 125 years of Ford Racing, our 50-year legacy in the WRC stands out as one of our proudest. We can’t wait to compete again in rally racing in 2028 and beyond,” he said. He also cited the FIA’s more cost-effective and smarter 2027-and-beyond regulations as a supporting factor.
WRC Promoter CEO Eric Boullier welcomed Ford's decision. “Ford’s decision to return to the FIA World Rally Championship as a full manufacturer is a testament to the strength and appeal of rallying. We very much look forward to their presence,” he said.
With Ford's return, competition in the WRC is expected to intensify. Fans are surely eager to see Ford take on rivals like Toyota and Hyundai. All eyes are now on Sardinia, where Ford announced its determination to return to the top.
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