Ford returns to the World Rally Championship with full factory team from 2028
Ford is heading back to its rallying roots, confirming plans to return to the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) as a full factory-backed team from 2028.
The move marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Ford in Europe, with the knowledge and technology developed through motorsport set to influence a new generation of Ford passenger vehicles.
Rallying is back at the heart of Ford
Motorsport has played an important role in Ford’s history, providing a demanding environment in which to develop and test new technologies.
From the Escort and Sierra to the Focus, Fiesta and Puma, some of Ford’s most recognisable road cars have also competed on rally stages around the world.
Now, Ford wants to bring that connection between motorsport and everyday driving back into focus.
The performance, handling and technical expertise required to compete at the highest level of rallying will help shape Ford’s next generation of European passenger cars, including five new multi-energy electric and hybrid vehicles.
Jim Baumbick, President of Ford Europe, said:
“Rallying is where Ford’s character faces its toughest test, and where generations of fans come to share the thrill of seeing a car take on the impossible.
“We want our next generation of European vehicles to carry that same unapologetic spirit. Responsive, confidence-inspiring, and rewarding to drive on the roads people use every day.”
Ford and M-Sport reunite for the next chapter
Ford Racing will continue its long-standing relationship with M-Sport Ltd, a partnership stretching back around 30 years.
Ford Racing will become directly involved in the WRC campaign from 2028, ahead of the arrival of an all-new WRC competition car in 2029.
Significantly, that new rally car will take inspiration from one of Ford’s upcoming all-new European passenger vehicles, strengthening the link between the cars competing on rally stages and those being developed for everyday drivers.
Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Racing, said:
“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.
“We can’t wait to compete again in rally racing in 2028 and beyond.”
More than 50 years of Ford rally heritage
Ford has an extraordinary history in international rallying.
Rally versions of the Escort, Sierra, Focus, Fiesta and Puma have all played significant roles across more than five decades of WRC competition, helping Ford secure manufacturer and driver championships while competing across asphalt, gravel, ice, snow and sand.
That motorsport success has also inspired some of Ford’s most memorable road-going models, stretching from the legendary Escort Mexico of the 1970s through to modern performance vehicles such as the Ranger Raptor.
The return to WRC builds on that heritage while giving Ford another demanding environment in which to develop its future vehicles.
Built for Europe’s ‘perfectly imperfect’ roads
Ford has previously outlined its ambition to create vehicles specifically designed for Europe’s “perfectly imperfect roads”.
That means developing cars capable of dealing with the variety of surfaces, conditions and environments European motorists encounter every day – while remaining responsive, enjoyable and confidence-inspiring to drive.
According to Ford, rallying provides an ideal proving ground for those characteristics.
“You can't fake it on Europe’s roads, which is why a car’s responsiveness and handling matters,” Baumbick said.
“The WRC is the ultimate proving ground for control and driver engagement, and that is the exact spirit and lessons learned we are injecting into our next generation of passenger vehicles.”
An exciting future for Ford
Ford’s full factory-backed WRC return is planned for 2028, with its all-new rally car following in 2029.
For Ford enthusiasts, it means the return of one of motorsport’s most famous names to full works competition. For everyday motorists, it also offers an exciting indication of the direction Ford is taking with its next generation of European cars.
With new electric and hybrid models on the horizon and rally-bred engineering once again playing a role in their development, the next chapter of Ford in Europe is taking shape.
Keep an eye on the latest Ford news from Premier Motors, Isle of Wight as we bring you updates on new models, technology and developments from the Blue Oval.