British rally team M‑Sport Ford has revealed its future direction in the FIA World Rally Championship as the series prepares for major regulatory changes.
The top category is set to transition away from the current Rally1 cars, with the new WRC27 rules aiming to significantly reduce costs and open the door for broader competition — including the possibility of upgraded Rally2 machinery being eligible at the highest level.
The British outfit will continue running the Ford Puma Rally1 under the current Rally1 regulations, remaining committed to extracting performance from its existing package while operating within realistic financial limits. Competing against manufacturer-backed giants have always required efficiency and smart development, and that philosophy will remain unchanged. When the new rules come into force in 2027, M-Sport is not expected to immediately unveil a completely new car.
Team Principal Richard Millener has made it clear that, while M-Sport remains committed to Ford and its current programme, the team will initially compete with an updated version of the Ford Fiesta Rally2 in the new regulations when they take effect in 2027. According to Millener, building a brand-new WRC27 car this season isn’t practical; instead, the team will observe how the championship evolves before potentially committing to a bespoke vehicle in 2028.
"We will only be able to start with the Fiesta Rally2 in 2027", Millener said.
"I also don’t see us bringing a car to the WRC27 regulations this season; that will more likely be the case in 2028.
"Because first and foremost, we need to see what the details and future plans of the promoter look like".
Photo Credits: M-Sport
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