Big news from the Rally Italia Sardegna paddock: Ford has announced its return to the FIA World Rally Championship as a full factory manufacturer from 2028. The legendary partnership with M-Sport will once again be trusted to build and run the Blue Oval's works rally programme.
For rally fans, this feels like a reunion with a long-awaited figure. Since 1997, Ford and M-Sport have produced a series of iconic cars that have graced various special stages, from wet forests to sharp gravel tracks. Now, a new chapter is set to begin.
M-Sport will design, develop, build, and operate Ford's new Rally1 car, based on an upcoming passenger vehicle that has yet to be revealed. Interestingly, there's no time to waste. M-Sport will use the 2027 and 2028 seasons to develop a Fiesta Rally2-based car upgraded to Rally1 specification through a homologation kit. The programme will carry Ford Racing branding in 2028, before the all-new works car makes its competitive debut in 2029.
For Ford, this is about far more than just returning to the world's toughest rally championship. Ford Europe president Jim Baumbick emphasised that rallying is where Ford's character faces its toughest test. "We want our next generation of European vehicles to carry that same unapologetic spirit," he said. Baumbick also stressed that 'rally-bred' is not just marketing words, but a promise to customers.
Ford Racing global director Mark Rushbrook added that the company's long competition heritage was another reason for the return. "As we celebrate 125 years of Ford Racing, our 50-year legacy in the WRC stands out as one of our proudest," he said. He can't wait to compete again in rallying in 2028 and beyond.
The timing is no coincidence. Ford sees the FIA's new 2027 regulations as an opportunity to enter a WRC that is being reshaped around lower costs and greater technical freedom. "The timing is very opportune as we align with a new era for WRC, very visionary promoters coming in now with more cost-effective, smarter rules from the FIA," Rushbrook added.
For the championship itself, Ford's return represents another major boost as the WRC prepares for its next era. New WRC Promoter CEO Eric Boullier welcomed the decision, describing Ford's history in rallying as "extraordinary" and highlighting the strong connection between the brand and fans.
With Ford's return, competition in the WRC is expected to heat up. Fans are certainly eager to see how M-Sport will craft the new Rally1 car and whether Ford can repeat past glories. One thing is certain: the Blue Oval is ready to make its mark again.
Baca Juga
Ford mengumumkan kembalinya ke WRC 2028 setelah absen sejak 2012. Presiden Ford Eropa, Jim Baumbick, menjelaskan strategi emosi dan warisan sebagai pembeda di pasar otomotif.
Ford kembali ke WRC 2028 setelah absen sejak 2012. Presiden Ford Eropa, Jim Baumbick, ungkap strategi emosi dan warisan merek untuk hadapi pasar Eropa.
Ford Racing kembali ke WRC sebagai pabrikan penuh pada 2028 dan akan meluncurkan mobil baru untuk musim 2029. Simak detailnya di sini.
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