Dubai: Ford will return to the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) with a full factory programme from 2028, marking its first full works campaign in the championship since 2012.
The announcement was welcomed by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) as the WRC prepares to enter a new phase with technical regulations coming into effect in 2027 and increased investment and development under its new promoter structure.
Ford Racing will work alongside long-standing partner M-Sport from 2028 before introducing an all-new Rally1 car developed under the FIA’s WRC27 technical regulations in 2029.
New Technical Regulations
Ford becomes the fourth constructor to commit to developing a car under the new WRC27 regulations. The rules are designed around safety, affordability, flexibility and accessibility, with the cost of a ready-to-compete car capped at €345,000 in asphalt specification.
The new regulations are intended to lower the cost of competing at the highest level of rallying while attracting greater participation from manufacturers and independent constructors.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said Ford’s return, alongside existing commitments to the new regulations, demonstrates momentum behind the championship’s next era.
“Today’s announcement represents another significant moment for the FIA World Rally Championship,” said Ben Sulayem. “With a new promoter in place, three constructors already committed to the new technical regulations, and now Ford confirming its return as a full works manufacturer, there is real momentum behind the championship’s next era.”
Ben Sulayem also highlighted Ford’s expanding involvement across FIA World Championships. The manufacturer returned to Formula 1 in 2026, competes in the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship and is preparing to return to the top category of the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2027.
From 2028, its WRC programme will give Ford a presence across four FIA World Championships.
Ford’s Rallying Legacy
Ford has competed in international rallying for more than five decades, with models including the Escort, Sierra, Focus, Fiesta and Puma playing roles in its WRC history.
Jim Baumbick, President of Ford Europe, said rallying continues to reflect the character the company wants to bring to its next generation of European vehicles.
Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Racing, said the company’s 50-year WRC legacy remains one of its most important motorsport chapters because of its connection to road cars.
“As we celebrate 125 years of Ford Racing, our 50-year legacy in the WRC stands out as one of our proudest because of its direct connection to the fun and exciting cars that came from that,” Rushbrook said.
Growing Manufacturer Interest
Ford’s commitment comes as the WRC prepares for its new technical era and expands its presence in key markets, including the United Kingdom and United States.
The return also adds to growing manufacturer interest in the championship and highlights the role of FIA World Championships as platforms for automotive companies to develop and demonstrate technologies in demanding competition environments.
Eric Boullier, CEO of WRC Promoter, described Ford’s return as a significant development for the championship, pointing to the company’s history in rallying and its wider global motorsport programme.
“Ford’s decision to return to the FIA World Rally Championship as a full factory team is fantastic news,” Boullier said. “The brand has an extraordinary history in rallying and has been part of some of the sport’s most memorable moments.”
Ford’s factory programme will begin in 2028, followed by the introduction of its new WRC27-based Rally1 car in 2029.
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