The Ford Racing portfolio is expanding as the championship-winning manufacturer returns to a prestigious racing series in 2027 and beyond.
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According to a Thursday announcement in Sardinia, Italy, Ford Racing is returning to the World Rally Championship as a factory works team. This marks a milestone moment, considering its 14-year absence as a full factory manufacturer.
The return will begin in 2027 as Ford begins to support M-Sport. The support will increase in 2028 with full manufacturer factory works backing. This includes Ford's engineering, powertrain, aerodynamics, and testing resources.
The 2027 and 2028 seasons will feature the Blue Oval fielding a Ford Fiesta Rally2 that has been upgraded to Rally 1 specifications. In 2029, Ford Racing will debut a brand-new car developed in collaboration with M-Sport.
This vehicle will meet FIA's new WRC27 technical regulations, which focus on safety, affordability, flexibility, and accessibility. The regulations cap the cost of a ready-to-race (asphalt spec) rally car at 345,000 Euro ($389,401.50).
"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," Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Racing, said in a statement.
"We can't wait to compete again in rally racing in 2028 and beyond."
This is not AI or Photoshop. Ford is returning to the WRC in 2028! 🙌🎉 pic.twitter.com/Y2Au5GjYvh
— DirtFish (@DirtFishRally) October 1, 2026
The World Rally Championship began in 1973, and it has continued ever since with drivers and manufacturers from around the globe battling for points and wins. Last season ended with Sebastien Ogier capturing his ninth drivers' championship while driving for Toyota Gazoo Racing.
Ford Racing has achieved success in the sport while celebrating multiple manufacturers' championships, starting in 1979. The manufacturer also won back-to-back championships in 2006 and 2007.
This move back to the WRC continues a stretch of milestone moments for the Blue Oval, which continues to contend for championships in NASCAR.
Back in 2025, Ford Racing announced a partnership with Supercars team Triple Eight Engineering. The manufacturer then returned to Formula 1 while partnering with Oracle Red Bull Racing.
The moves will continue in 2027 with Ford Racing taking on the World Endurance Championship.
"Today's announcement represents another significant moment for the FIA World Rally Championship," said FIA President Mohammed 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.
"Ford is one of the great names in motorsport and its commitment to FIA World Championships continues to grow. The manufacturer returned to Formula 1 this year, is competing at the highest level of the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship, will return to the top category of the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2027, and from 2028 will once again compete as a works manufacturer in the WRC.
"That will give Ford a presence across four FIA World Championships and demonstrates the importance it places on motor sport as a global platform, and laboratory, for its brand, products and technologies.
"I had the privilege of driving for Ford during my own career, so welcoming them back is a particularly special moment for me. The WRC continues to grow, and this long-term commitment from such an iconic manufacturer is a testament to the strength of the championship."
