The American automotive giant has confirmed a major renewed commitment to rallying, announcing that its enduring partnership with M-Sport will serve as the foundation for an expanded works programme. Ford Racing will step in with direct involvement in M-Sport’s WRC campaign starting in 2028. That groundwork will lead directly into the introduction of an entirely new car for the 2029 season, drawing inspiration from one of Ford’s upcoming European passenger vehicles.
This stunning move arrives as the championship gears up for a new technical era, with fresh regulations set to take effect from 2027. Beyond the stages, Ford intends to harness its WRC presence to shape the development of its next generation of European road cars, directly translating lessons learned on the dirt into a fresh portfolio of electric and hybrid models.
“We are delighted to welcome Ford back as a full factory team and look forward to this new chapter together,” said WRC Promoter CEO Eric Boullier. He added that the brand's decision is fantastic news given its extraordinary history in rallying, noting that the renewed commitment is a strong statement about the relevance of the sport to a leading global automotive brand.
Ford and M-Sport share one of the championship’s longest-running partnerships, stretching all the way back to 1997. Over nearly three decades, they have campaigned generations of iconic Ford machinery including the Focus, Fiesta and, most recently, the Puma. M-Sport managing director Malcolm Wilson described the announcement as an important moment, stating, “From my early rallying days, Ford has been front and centre of both my racing career and my business.”
Ford’s heritage at the pinnacle of rallying spans more than half a century, with legendary cars like the Escort, Sierra, Focus, Fiesta and Puma all starring in WRC competition. Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Racing, pointed to that deep history as a vital factor behind the decision to strengthen their involvement as the manufacturer celebrates 125 years of Ford Racing.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem also welcomed the commitment as another significant moment for the championship. The expanded rally campaign forms just one piece of a broad global motorsport strategy for the brand, which also encompasses Formula 1, the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship, and a planned return to the top category of the FIA World Endurance Championship.
