Ford desires to retain the “option to compete as a manufacturer” within the World Rally Championship in the longer term but has stressed the necessity for an open set of regulations for 2027.
The American automotive brand is one of the crucial successful manufacturers within the WRC, with 94 rally victories to its credit, a feat exceeded only by Citroen within the history of the championship.
Ford is one among three automotive manufacturers present at the best level of rallying, together with Toyota and Hyundai. It competes with the hybrid Puma Rally1 automotive, but has operated as a semi-factory team through partner M-Sport since 2013.
However, it has since expanded its partnership with M-Sport to assist deliver a full factory programme for the Dakar Rally, unveiling the brand new Raptor T1+ model eventually week’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.
At the launch, Ford Performance Motorsports director Mark Rushbrook said he wanted the brand to “take over” rallying, adding that he desired to be involved within the WRC beyond 2026 if the longer term of Rally1 and Rally2 was “right for everyone”.
The FIA is anticipated to announce its technical regulations for 2027 in December of this 12 months, which can be crucial because the championship goals to retain its current manufacturer base and attract latest brands.
“What happens in Rally1 and Rally2 needs to be decided, what the future holds, and that’s where we have to make a decision,” Rushbrook told Motorsport.com.
Adrien Fourmaux, Alexandre Coria, M-Sport Ford World Rally Team Ford Puma Rally1
Photo: Tomasz Kaliński
“We wish to [commit]“It just has to be good for everyone.”
The FIA, in its proposals in February, suggested that the 2027 regulations can be based on the present Rally1 concept, using a typical roll cage, which might cut costs to around €400,000 and permit manufacturers and tuners to develop cars based on the production B-Class, C-Class and compact SUV models.
Asked what direction the WRC should take with its technical regulations, Rushbrook said the power to make use of different powertrains was essential, adding: “We definitely wish to keep the choice of participating as a manufacturer [in the WRC].
“We definitely want to have a full pyramid with rallying. But it seems that different manufacturers want different things, so if the FIA can write the rules so that you have the option, like in Dakar, where you can go with internal combustion engines, naturally aspirated turbos, you can go with hybrids, if you have that option in rallying as well, you can attract more manufacturers.”
“The technical parity that the Dakar currently provides, with technology equivalence and torque sensors on [vehicles]. So I feel it's things like that.
“But there’s also the promotional aspect, beyond the technical rules, making sure it’s engaging for the fans to really get involved in the sport.”
