M-Sport team principal Richard Millener insists no driver decisions have been made as the team begins preparations for its new Ford programme, with victory in 2029 the ultimate target.
Ford is set to make a major return to the FIA World Rally Championship announcing a full factory-backed programme from 2028 in partnership with long-time rally partner M-Sport. The agreement marks a significant step forward for both parties, with the aim of returning to the top of the sport and building a competitive package for the championship’s new era.
Under the new programme, Ford Racing will become directly involved in M-Sport’s WRC campaign from 2028, before an all-new rally car makes its competitive debut in 2029. The car will be developed under the FIA’s new WRC27 technical regulations, with inspiration drawn from one of Ford’s upcoming European passenger vehicles. The project also reflects Ford’s wider ambition to bring rally-bred performance, technology and driving characteristics to its future road cars.
For M-Sport, the announcement strengthens a partnership that spans three decades and reunites the British team with Ford in a full factory-backed effort for the first time since 2012. The collaboration has already delivered significant success, including the manufacturers’ title in 2006, and both sides will now look to build on that legacy as they prepare for the next generation of WRC machinery.
"I don't think I'd be doing my job if I said Adrien Fourmaux wasn't on the list", Richard Millener said.
"We haven't spoken to anybody honestly since the last round.
"We have just been going a hundred miles an hour to get everything in place for the Ford announcement.
"There has been no discussion, no decision on drivers.
"Up until now, our driver selection is based on people we think have good enough talent to have the opportunity to develop.
"They needed to bring some support.
"Now we are able to be in a slightly different position, but it doesn't mean we're going to rush out and change everything overnight.
"The goal is to win in 2029 with the new car.
"We have two years to get ourselves into a good position.
"We want people who fit into the structure we have and fit into the team environment and help build the team around them. But also help deliver what Ford wants as well.
"We still need to develop some junior talent, but we need to have a really strong vision and focus on winning as well.
"That means we have to maybe change a little bit how we do things.
"We also need to think about people for the long term.
"This is already a multi-year program, and if we get it right and if it works, and Ford Europe's plan engages well, then there is endless potential.
"So we need to think about this properly in a clever way.
"We will take our time".
Source: Motorsport.com
Photo Credits: M-Sport
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