Now, this is genuinely exciting. As Motorsport.com reports, M-Sport has given us our very first look at an all-new Rally2 kit car designed to compete right in the top class of the World Rally Championship next year. The FIA laid out plans earlier this year for a €7,500 upgrade kit allowing Rally2 manufacturers to homologate aerodynamic parts, bringing them closer to the performance of the brand-new WRC27 vehicles that will form the premier class.
The technical changes are fascinating. The package brings new front fenders, a revised front bumper, and a new rear aerodynamic device, while the machine sheds 10kg from its current minimum weight. It also runs a 33mm turbo restrictor. M-Sport stands as the very first squad to commit to developing this kit for its Ford Fiesta Rally2 car, putting the revised challenger through a demanding week-long asphalt test in Spain this week.
We still need to develop some junior talent, but we need to have a really strong vision and focus on winning as well. That means we have to maybe change a little bit how we do things,
Images and videos have surfaced online showing an all-white Fiesta Rally2 machine with those distinct new aero tweaks on the front bumper and rear wing. None other than former WRC driver Matthew Wilson handled driving duties during Tuesday's test session.
The team plans to field three of these Rally2 kit cars next year across a newly expanded 15-round calendar. That comes alongside a newly announced factory partnership with Ford officially kicking off in 2028, with increased support from the blue oval brand starting next year already.
As for who will actually drive these beasts, the line-up remains unconfirmed. Team principal Richard Millener shed light on the approach during the WRC season finale in Sardinia.
"There has been no discussion, no decision [on drivers]," Millener said. "Up until now, our driver selection is based on people we think have good enough talent to have the opportunity to develop. They needed to bring some support. Now we are able to be in a slightly different position, but it doesn't mean we're going to rush out and change everything overnight."
Millener outlined the broader strategy moving forward. "The goal is to win in 2029 with the new car. We have two years to get ourselves into a good position. We want people who fit into the structure we have and fit into the team environment and help build the team around them. But also help deliver what Ford wants as well."
"We still need to develop some junior talent, but we need to have a really strong vision and focus on winning as well. That means we have to maybe change a little bit how we do things," he added. "We also need to think about people for the long term. This is already a multi-year program, and if we get it right and if it works, and Ford Europe's plan engages well, then there is endless potential. So we need to think about this properly in a clever way. We will take our time."
