Ford to return to WRC with factory-backed programme in 2028
Attempting to push the boundaries of the automotive sector, Ford have expanded their motorsport programme in the previous three years. They started by releasing the Ford Mustang GT3, then became a powertrain supplier in Formula One and will race in the Hypercar class of the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2027. Ford have now announced they are expanding their portfolio further by re-joining the World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2028 as a factory team.
Since the beginning of the Rally1 era, racing in the WRC has proved too expensive for manufacturers. Becoming the first set of rally regulations to include a hybrid power unit was a problem, not helped by the fact the cars didn't have to be based on a production model, so manufacturers had to effectively design purpose built race cars to compete.
The Rally1 group has proved popular with fans for its mind blowing performance on a rally stage, but only three manufacturers take part: Toyota, Hyundai and Ford. Although there are Ford Puma Rally1 cars competing, they are not run in house, the responsibilities delegated to M-Sport, a technical partner, instead.
The era was dominated by Toyota who managed 47 wins, over Hyundai's 15. In comparison, M-Sport were only able to clinch three victories, and were the only team to not win a single title of some form during the five year period.
WRC are attempting a WEC-Hypercar-like overhaul with the WRC27 regulations. A tubular frame safety cell has been designed to reduce the complexity and cost while still delivering 'high levels of occupant protection'. The frame will be surrounded by bodywork with greater design freedom for manufacturers, although the cars will still not have to be derived from current production models.
Importantly the category will not be limited to traditional car manufacturers, so specialist motorsport organisations, such as tuners, can enter with their own machinery, or as customers. This should broaden the range of participation and bring more competition in.
Along with a double wishbone suspension, four wheel drive, Rally2 controls and a five-speed gearbox, the WRC27 cars will be powered by a 1.6L turbocharged internal combustion engine which can produce 290hp - this is nearly 100hp less than the previous iteration of cars, due to the removal of the hybrid system.
The price of a 'ready-to-compete Tarmac-specification car' is capped at €345,000 which is more than 50% cheaper than the current cars.
A year after the WRC27 period begins, Ford will rejoin the WRC as a factory team in 2028. M-Sport's role will not be diminished, they will remain a long standing partner of the team and will be directly involved in the design and production of a new rally car for 2029.
It is expected that M-Sport will race with the Ford Fiesta Rally2 car in 2027, as will the Ford factory team in 2028 before they unleash their new car in 2029.
Despite using the Rally2 car, M-Sport and Ford will still be eligible to race in the top category thanks to a €7,500 upgrade kit introduced by the FIA to provide 'greater aerodynamic parity' between WRC27 and Rally2.
This may give Ford the upper hand over the next two years as the Ford Focus is a tried-and-tested car while other manufacturers will be facing the challenges of a new car - battling reliability and understanding performance.
While this increases the competition and fortifies the WRC's future, for Ford, it is an opportunity to both show off their engineering capability and to learn directly from the special stages to improve their road car technology.
"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 Jim Baumbick, Ford Europe President. "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.
"You can't fake it on Europe’s roads, which is why a car’s responsiveness and handling matters. The WRC is the ultimate proving ground for control and driver engagement, and that is the exact spirit and lessons learned we are injecting into our next generation of passenger vehicles."
Mark Rushbrook, the Ford Racing Global Director, elaborated: "As we celebrate 125 years of Ford Racing, our 50 year legacy in the WRC stands out as one of our proudest because of the direct connection to the fun and exciting cars that came from that. We can't wait to compete again in rally racing in 2028 and beyond."
Legendary Ford cars such as the Escort, Sierra and the Focus have been used as rally cars in the past and have each contributed to Ford's 94 wins in the WRC, which puts them third all time. Notably, the Ford Fiesta WRC helped Sébastien Ogier win two of his record equalling nine Driver's Championships.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, said: “Today’s announcement represents another significant moment for the FIA World Rally Championship. With a new promoter in place, three constructors already committed to the new technical regulations, and now Ford confirming its return as a full works manufacturer, there is real momentum behind the championship’s next era.
"Ford is one of the great names in motorsport and its commitment to FIA World Championships continues to grow. The manufacturer returned to Formula One this year, is competing at the highest level of the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship, will return to the top category of the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2027, and from 2028 will once again compete as a works manufacturer in the WRC.
"That will give Ford a presence across four FIA World Championships and demonstrates the importance it places on motorsport as a global platform, and laboratory, for its brand, products and technologies."
Ben Sulayem used to race for Ford in the WRC himself, but never finished better than sixth place.
Ford are joining reigning Champions, Toyota, and new-comers, Project One and RMC Motorsport, as teams which will field cars in the WRC27 category. If they want to win in the series, then they will have to first find a way to defeat Toyota who have dominated the Rally1 category and already completed more than 5,000km of road testing on their new design.
The Japanese team are set to take the final Championship of the era this weekend at the Rally Sardegna, as three of their drivers, Elfyn Evans, Sami Pajari and Oliver Solberg, will fight for the spoils.
WRC is the ultimate proving ground for Ford. They may be involved in F1 and sportscar racing, but that takes place on purpose built tracks. Rally is the ultimate test of a car's ability on a public road, and not necessarily a tarmac one.
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