--- title: "Ford Is Returning to WRC as Full Factory Team in 2028" date: "2026-10-01" modified: "2026-10-01" authors: - name: "Jerry Perez" job_title: "Deputy Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jerry-perez.md" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/ford-is-returning-to-wrc-as-full-factory-team-in-2028" categories: - "News" - "Racing" --- # Ford Is Returning to WRC as Full Factory Team in 2028 ![]() *\Ford\* Perhaps [Ford]() has some spare time, money, and personnel despite its [Formula 1 involvement](), because it has now decided to launch a full factory racing effort in the World Rally Championship starting in 2028. *High five, Ford.* Ford has been involved in WRC in one way, shape, or form for decades, and it has the cars and hardware to show for it. From the famous Michelin-liveried Escort, the Sierra, and of course, the Colin McRae and Carlos Sainz Focuses, only Subaru and Audi evoke more dirt-loving memories. The Blue Oval is once again looking to its long-time partner, M-Sport, to launch its factory effort, which will technically begin in 2028 but will really peak in 2029 when its all-new Ford race car hits the road. “As we celebrate 125 years of Ford Racing, our 50-year legacy in the WRC stands out as one of our proudest because of its direct connection to the fun and exciting cars that came from that,” said Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Racing. “We can’t wait to compete again in rally racing in 2028 and beyond.” ![]() ![]() It's too soon to know who will be driving for Ford come 2028 or 2029, let alone what its car will look like, but Ford promises that its WRC racer will "help shape Ford’s new European portfolio of rally-bred passenger vehicles to help turn everyday commutes into drives worth looking forward to." Ford is currently involved in a myriad of racing disciplines, from F1 as Red Bull's engine partner to NASCAR, the [Dakar]() Rally, GT3 with the Mustang, and will take on Le Mans in the Hypercar class in 2027. Oh, and remember when a Ford engineer had an F1 turbocharger confiscated at the Detroit airport? [Here's that scoop.]() *Got a tip? Email us at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Jerry is responsible for upholding The Drive's ethos as an audience-first, enthusiast-driven car blog that serves up industry-leading news, reviews, culture, and motorsport coverage. Overseeing a staff of writers and editors from his home base in Indianapolis, he helps curate the site's daily rundown, as well as its medium- and long-term content strategies. Jerry joined The Drive in 2018 as a writer and worked as news editor and managing editor before becoming the deputy in 2023. As a lifelong car enthusiast and racing fan, Jerry believes that all cars are cool, but the people behind the machines are even cooler. This belief often gives The Drive a slightly different focus from most other car sites, where we explore the humanity behind the machines. When he's not obsessing over the day's biggest stories or hanging out at a race track, Jerry can be found behind the wheel of a car, most likely sharing a laugh with his teenage son or daughter. ### Author social links [Instagram]()