Ford will return as a factory team to the World Rally Championship in 2028, confirmed at the season finale in Sardinia, signalling a full-scale commitment under the Ford Racing banner.

The programme will run with M-Sport, extending a decades-long partnership. A clean-sheet Rally1 car targets a 2029 debut, built to the 2027 technical rules reshaping the championship’s top class.

Before that, M-Sport will field an upgraded Ford Fiesta Rally2 through 2027. The package is intended to align with the first phase of the new regulations and sharpen development pathways.

Ford’s rally pedigree is deep. It secured the manufacturers’ title in 1979, then added back-to-back crowns in 2006 and 2007 through its collaboration with M-Sport.

Full factory backing ended after 2012, but M-Sport continued with limited support. The team also oversaw Ford’s rally-raid projects, preserving technical continuity and operational know-how.

The 2028 campaign is a bridge year. Ford’s focus remains on car development, while the updated Rally2 programme keeps the brand competitive against established Rally1 rivals such as Toyota.

The move fits a broader motorsport strategy. Ford partners Red Bull in Formula 1 and targets a 2027 WEC Hypercar return. It competes in NASCAR, Supercars, and IMSA GTD Pro.

Industry reaction is positive. WRC Promoter chief executive Eric Boullier called the decision great news, while FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem welcomed Ford’s expanding footprint across multiple world championships.

Building to the 2027 rulebook should streamline homologation and cost planning. The phased approach lets M-Sport gather mileage and data before Ford’s works Rally1 car joins the grid in 2029.

Execution will decide the ceiling. If development stays on schedule, Ford re-enters the title conversation quickly, setting up a renewed manufacturer battle once the new car breaks cover.

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Zane Muniz

Zane Muniz writes across NASCAR, IndyCar, F1, IMSA, NHRA, and dirt-racing news. His breaking-news alerts and event previews ensure motorsport fans never miss a lap, drift, or drag-strip showdown.