Ford Will Return to World Rally Championship in 2028
The manufacturer plans to launch a full works program in a partnership with M-Sport starting in 2028.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Motorsports
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Ford Racing has confirmed a full factory return to the World Rally Championship starting in 2028. The automaker will partner with M-Sport to compete in the series.
Why it matters
The championship serves as a global testing ground for Ford to develop next-generation European vehicle technologies. This move coincides with a period of significant commercial growth and planned expansion for the series in the UK and US.
The FIA has established a $388,000 price cap for a ready-to-compete car under new technical regulations, which aim to increase affordability. Ford joins three other constructors already committed to these standards.
The players
Ford Racing
This is the motorsport division of the global automotive manufacturer that oversees the company's participation in various international racing series.
M-Sport
M-Sport is an automotive engineering company that provides specialized support and management for rally racing operations.
FIA
The Federation Internationale de lAutomobile is the governing body for many major international motor racing events, including the World Rally Championship.
The details
Ford will operate a full works program alongside M-Sport to compete under new FIA technical regulations. The company intends to introduce a brand-new vehicle developed specifically to meet these 2027 standards in 2029.
Timeline
2012: Ford concluded its last full works program in the WRC.
2026: Ford returned to compete in Formula 1.
2027: New technical regulations arrive and Ford joins the World Endurance Championship.
2028: Ford officially returns to the WRC as a full factory team.
2029: Ford will introduce a new car developed under 2027 regulations.
Season Trajectory
Ford's return to the FIA World Rally Championship signifies a major strengthening of the series' competitive balance as it prepares to expand into the UK and US markets. This investment bolsters the grid ahead of the 2027 technical regulation shift.
The entry of a fourth major constructor under new pricing rules will likely drive down the cost of entry for privateer teams within the championship. Ford's active development pipeline in the series will also accelerate the integration of new technologies into future European consumer models.
The takeaway
Ford's return reflects a strategic effort to utilize top-tier rally racing as a laboratory for consumer-facing vehicle engineering. Enthusiasts and industry observers can expect the 2029 car launch to highlight the practical benefits of the new, more affordable FIA technical regulations.
Further reading
For more news on upcoming changes to international racing series, visit our Motorsports section.
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