Ford to Return to WRC as Factory Manufacturer from 2028

It was officially confirmed on Thursday, following WRC testing in Sardinia, that the M-Sport team will design and operate a new Ford rally car intended for the 2029 WRC season. The car will be based on a yet-unreleased production model — one of five multi-energy drivetrain models Ford plans to introduce in 2028 and 2029, developed using rally technology.

During the transitional period in 2027 and 2028, the team will continue using Fiesta Rally2 cars, converted to Rally1 specification using a homologated kit.

First full factory team since 2012

From 2028, M-Sport's WRC campaign will continue under the Ford Racing name. It will mark the first time since 2012 that Ford has competed in the championship as a full factory manufacturer team. The new project builds on the partnership with M-Sport, which dates back to 1997.

Ford Europe president Jim Baumbick said rallying is where a brand's character faces its toughest test, and expressed hope that the next generation of European Ford cars would carry the same uncompromising spirit as the competition vehicles, remaining responsive and inspiring confidence on everyday roads.

The plan envisions a gradual return — in 2027, Ford will resume support for M-Sport, which under new FIA regulations taking effect that year will be able to use the Ford Fiesta. In 2028, support will expand to a full factory manufacturer programme, providing engineering, powertrain, aerodynamics and testing resources for that season's competition as well as for development of the new car.

The entirely new Ford factory rally car will then make its championship debut in 2029, directly derived from the brand's future production model range developed using rally technology.