Ford has maintained a storied legacy in the world of rallying, tracing back to their maiden manufacturers’ title in 1979. After operating primarily as a partner to M-Sport since 2012, the manufacturer is now signaling a robust return to full-strength competition in the WRC. Rushbrook remains highly appreciative of the foundation laid by Malcolm Wilson, which serves as the bedrock for their current ambitions.
"Thanks to their work, we now have an excellent starting point as we return at full strength. We have great people and a great team. We are looking forward to the next two or three years, during which we will develop the new car. After that, we will continue racing," Rushbrook stated regarding the team's upcoming development cycle.
While the specific model for the new rally machine remains under wraps, the manufacturer is evaluating a range of possibilities. With five new models slated for the European market—four of which boast significant rally heritage—Ford enjoys a wealth of options to craft a competitive challenger for future seasons.
The philosophy behind this commitment is deeply rooted in engineering advancement. "We genuinely want to use motorsport for engineering and learning so that we can make our products better. At the same time, we can promote our brand, our company and our products," he explained, highlighting the dual purpose of brand marketing and technical R&D.
For Ford, the WRC occupies a vital strategic space between circuit racing and rally-raid. Addressing the shift in powertrain regulations, Rushbrook clarified that they do not feel pressured to implement hybrid technology in every series. "We do not need to race everywhere with every possible technology. We are already learning a huge amount about hybrid technology in Formula 1 and the Hypercar class. That is why we do not need to use a hybrid powertrain in every racing series. We can quite easily race using only internal combustion engines and still learn a great deal across different series," he concluded.
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