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Ford Racing is set to make a full-scale return to the World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2028, with plans to introduce an all-new challenger for the 2029 season. The move marks the end of a 14-year absence as a full manufacturer entry for the American automotive giant.
The Blue Oval's comeback was officially confirmed today at a press conference in Sardinia, attended by Ford Europe President Jim Baumbick, Global Director of Ford Racing Mark Rushbrook, and senior championship officials.
Ford will continue its long-standing partnership with M-Sport, an alliance that dates back to 1997. The upcoming Rally1 machine will be based on one of five rally-inspired production models—featuring various powertrains—slated to debut across 2028 and 2029.
Baumbick stressed that the "rally-bred" philosophy is far more than just a promotional slogan: "We are not talking about styling gimmicks or marketing buzzwords. This is a promise to our customers. Our goal is to stir emotion and inject the soul, responsiveness, and capability of rally into these vehicles. Through our track-to-road technology transfer strategy, we have to prove our mettle where it truly counts—backed by our rich motorsport heritage."
Mark Rushbrook outlined the roadmap for Ford's return to rallying's top tier, noting that Ford Racing's 125th anniversary happily coincides with half a century of presence in the WRC.
"The timing is ideal as it aligns with a new era for the WRC—one shaped by forward-thinking promoters and smarter, more practical FIA technical regulations coming into force from 2027," Rushbrook explained. "Our plan is to support M-Sport in 2027 as they field the Ford Fiesta under the new rules. In 2028, we will step up our commitment with full factory backing—encompassing engineering, powertrains, aerodynamics, and testing resources. In parallel, we will develop an all-new factory challenger for 2029, based on Ford of Europe's upcoming road car portfolio."
WRC Promoter Managing Director Eric Boullier hailed the announcement as fantastic news: "The brand boasts an extraordinary rally heritage and has delivered some of the sport's most iconic moments. More importantly, this renewed commitment is a clear testament to the relevance of rallying for world-leading manufacturers. We are thrilled to welcome Ford back with full factory status."
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who competed in Ford machinery during his own driving career, also praised the championship's ongoing momentum.
"This is another major milestone for the championship. With new promotion, three manufacturers already committed to the upcoming technical regulations, and now Ford's confirmed return as a full factory outfit, the WRC's new era is gathering real pace," said Ben Sulayem. He added that with existing commitments in Formula 1 and the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), an entry into the top class of the World Endurance Championship in 2027, and WRC in 2028, Ford will be competing across four FIA World Championships.
Malcolm Wilson—who first drove for Ford before guiding the marque to world championship titles at the helm of M-Sport—has been central to the brand's finest moments in the sport.
The Briton added: "From my earliest days in rallying, Ford has been at the very heart of both my driving career and my business. This announcement brings immense excitement not just for everyone at M-Sport, but for the entire rally community. In so many ways, Ford is synonymous with rallying, and it truly feels like the brand is returning right where it belongs."
Photo: DirtFish
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