Ford will return to the World Rally Championship as a full factory team starting in the 2028 season, according to the sources. The American manufacturer announced the comeback at the opening of the Italian Rally, setting up a technical overhaul that includes a brand-new rally machine slated for the 2029 season.
Ford Racing integrates directly with M Sport operation in 2028
The blue oval brand last competed as a full factory outfit in 2012, according to the sources. Since then, private outfit M-Sport has kept Ford machinery on the stages, famously guiding Sébastien Ogier to consecutive drivers’ titles in 2017 and 2018. Under the newly announced structure, Ford Racing will integrate directly with the Cumbria-based M-Sport operation starting in 2028. M-Sport was recently linked in media reports to potential partnerships with Chinese manufacturers, but today’s confirmation locks in the continuation of a 30-year alliance with Ford.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ford back as a full factory team and look forward to this exciting new chapter,” said Éric Boullier, managing director of WRC promoter, as reported. “Ford’s decision to return is fantastic news. This brand has an extraordinary history in rally and has been part of the sport’s most defining moments.”
Ford bridges gap with Fiesta Rally2 cars until 2029 machine arrives
The return coincides with a major regulatory shift in motorsport. Technical rules for the world championship will undergo sweeping changes in 2027, accompanied by a new championship promoter, according to the sources. One year later, Ford will step back in as a manufacturer team, bridging the gap with Ford Fiesta Rally2 cars outfitted with Rally1 kits until a dedicated challenger arrives for the 2029 campaign. That 2029 machine will feature an all-new design inspired by one of the manufacturer’s upcoming European consumer models, according to the sources.
“Celebrating 125 years of Ford Racing, our 50-year history in the WRC is one of its finest chapters because of the direct connection that produced such breathtaking and fun cars,” said Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Racing, according to the sources.
Ford channels rally data into coming European passenger vehicles
The motorsport reentry serves a dual purpose beyond racing accolades. Ford intends to channel data and durability lessons from high-speed gravel, tarmac, snow, and rough B-roads directly into a coming generation of European passenger vehicles, according to the sources. The manufacturer is readying a lineup of five electric and hybrid models tailored for European buyers, focusing on sharp steering response and agile handling, according to the sources.
“Rallying is where the character of a Ford undergoes its hardest test and where generations of fans came to watch Fords handle the impossible,” said Jim Baumbick, president of Ford Europe, according to the sources. “On European roads, you cannot fake it. That is why it matters so much that a car handles well. The WRC is the ultimate testing ground for control and driver connection.”
Manufacturer aligns motorsport footprint across four championships by 2028
While the factory team designation takes effect for the 2028 season, preparation begins immediately alongside M-Sport, according to the sources. The manufacturer aims to align its motorsport footprint across four FIA world championships by 2028, encompassing Formula 1, the World Endurance Championship, a Le Mans top-category return slated for 2027, and now the WRC, according to the sources.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Ford WRC Return
When did Ford last compete as a factory team in the WRC?
Ford last ran an official factory team in the World Rally Championship in 2012, before stepping back to support private entries, according to the sources.
Who will build and run the new Ford WRC cars?
Ford Racing will partner with British racing specialist M-Sport, continuing a 30-year collaboration that will see full factory backing applied to the Cumbrian operation starting in 2028, according to the sources.
When will the brand-new Ford rally car debut?
A completely new rally special, derived from an upcoming European consumer model, is scheduled to be introduced for the 2029 WRC season, according to the sources.
How many global championships will Ford participate in by 2028?
By 2028, Ford will have active factory presences in four FIA world championships: Formula 1, WEC, Le Mans, and WRC, according to the sources.
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