Ford wants to continue its WRC program with M-Sport beyond 2027 – But new regulations must be fair for everyone – A works entry would be conceivable
The World Rally Championship (WRC) is in the midst of preparations for a new era from the 2027 season. Three manufacturers – Hyundai, Toyota and Ford with M-Sport – are currently active in the premier class. Short-term rule changes were recently rejected in order to bring consistency to the championship. The hybrid will remain, but there are to be new regulations from 2027. Ford is interested in remaining in the WRC, but has conditions.
Ford is currently competing in the WRC with M-Sport, but can imagine entering the championship as a full works team from 2027 if the regulations are formulated accordingly. Ford has long been represented in the World Rally Championship and has 94 rally victories to its name. Only Citroën has achieved more victories.
M-Sport is currently supported by Ford, but does not run a fully-fledged works program. M-Sport and Ford have been partners in the WRC since 2013. The team uses the Ford Puma Rally1 and has already clinched several victories. M-Sport has close ties with Ford and will be competing in the Dakar Rally with the new Raptor T1+. The car was presented in Goodwood.
Ford is concentrating on rallying: According to Head of Motorsport Mark Rushbrook, Ford wants to dominate the scene. That is why the brand wants to remain involved in the WRC beyond the 2026 season, but the rules in the Rally 1 and Rally 2 classifications would have to “suit everyone”.
The FIA wants to announce the main features of the regulations from 2027 by the end of 2024. The WRC and FIA also want to attract a new manufacturer to the world championship. “Our decision will depend on what is decided with regard to Rally1 and Rally2. We want to be involved, but it has to suit everyone,” said Rushbrook.
The current Rally1 regulations will form the basis for the new era. However, a standardized chassis is to be used in order to reduce the costs to 400,000 euros. It should also be possible to build different models around the safety cell – from small cars to SUVs.
Rushbrook also hopes to be able to use different powertrains. “We want to keep all options open for the manufacturers,” he says. “We want to serve the entire rally pyramid. The different manufacturers want different things, so the FIA can write the rules so that you can compete with combustion or hybrid engines, just like at the Dakar.” According to Rushbrook, this could attract another manufacturer.
“The Dakar ensures technical equality with the Equivalence of Technology and the torque sensors in the cars. That could be it,” says Rushbrook. “But it’s also about marketing. In addition to the technical regulations, we have to make sure that the fans are part of the sport and can follow it. “
