Ford returns to WRC factory team
Ford is set to make a significant return to the FIA World Rally Championship as a full factory-backed team from 2028. The announcement was made at Rally Italy Sardinia. Ford will rejoin the sport, building on a legacy of five decades and four manufacturers' world championship titles. Its last full factory WRC program ended in 2012, making this a highly anticipated return after a 16-year hiatus. While Ford maintained a presence via M-Sport, this re-entry signifies full corporate endorsement and direct investment in the sport's highest tier. Ford's commitment involves collaboration with long-standing partner M-Sport. Together, they will spearhead this factory effort, with Ford Racing directly involved from 2028. A key highlight will be the debut of an entirely new WRC car in the 2029 season. The vehicle will draw inspiration from one of Ford's upcoming European passenger vehicles, linking racing with future road car development. This move is part of Ford's broader global motorsports initiative, including Formula 1, the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship, and a planned FIA World Endurance Championship return in 2027. Re-entering the WRC is rooted in Ford's commitment to innovation and product development. Ford will leverage rally racing's demanding environment to shape and enhance its next generation of European road cars. Lessons from WRC challenges will be integrated into new electric and hybrid models, injecting them with sporting personality and agile capabilities proven on rally stages. Ford believes competitive motorsport directly contributes to building better vehicles for consumers.
