You may have probably heard that Ford is returning to the World Rally Championship in 2028. But apart from the Blue Oval badge, a familiar rally car is also returning in the top level next year. 

M-Sport, the private rally team that runs Ford’s official WRC programs, has started testing the Ford Fiesta Rally1. The new-for-2027 rally car is replacing the Puma Rally1 that M-Sport raced from 2022 to 2026.

But for those not in the know, the new Fiesta Rally1 is different from the last Fiesta WRC that raced from 2017 to 2021. Instead of having an aggressive aerodynamic body kit, the new Fiesta Rally1 is based on the Rally2 version, with some notable aerodynamic additions such as a bigger rear wing, and a less restricted engine to produce more power.

Likewise, the Rally1 version will be lighter than the Rally2 version which could improve the car’s handling. And most importantly, the Fiesta Rally1 will serve as Ford’s main challenger once it fully makes its return to the WRC in 2028, before an all-new Rally1 car replaces it for the 2029 season.

Next year, Ford Racing will be increasing its support to M-Sport as it takes on new machinery based on the new WRC technical regulations. Toyota Gazoo Racing will also be fielding a new Rally1 car next year, along with a few private teams that signed up for the new formula.