Ford has announced its return to the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) with a full factory programme starting in 2028, marking its first full works involvement since 2012. The car manufacturer will also develop an all-new Rally1 car under the FIA's WRC27 technical regulations, set to be introduced in 2029.
This move makes Ford the fourth constructor to commit to the new WRC27 regulations, which focus on safety, affordability, and accessibility. The regulations aim to reduce costs, capping the price of a ready-to-compete car at $365,000 (€345,000) in asphalt specification. Ford's return is part of a broader strategy to expand the WRC's presence in key markets, including the UK and US, as the series enters a new phase of growth.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem expressed enthusiasm about Ford's return, stating, "There is real momentum behind the championship’s next era." Ford's involvement will be in collaboration with its long-standing partner, M-Sport, and is expected to enhance the championship's appeal to global automotive manufacturers.
Jim Baumbick, President of Ford Europe, highlighted the brand's commitment to rallying, saying, "We want our next generation of European vehicles to carry that same unapologetic spirit." The announcement coincides with Ford's expanding global motorsport programme, which includes participation in the FIA Formula One World Championship and the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Ford's return to the WRC underscores the championship's role as a platform for developing and testing new automotive technologies, reinforcing its position as a laboratory for innovation in motorsport
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