There are some bits of motoring news that make us sit up and take notice at MS-RT Leasing.
This is definitely one of them.
Ford has announced that it will return to the FIA World Rally Championship as a full factory team from 2028, once again joining forces with our friends at M-Sport.
For anyone who knows the history behind MS-RT, Ford and M-Sport, that’s pretty exciting news.
Ford and M-Sport Back Together on the World Stage
Ford hasn’t competed as a full factory WRC team since 2012, although M-Sport has continued to represent the Blue Oval in the championship with technical support from Ford.
That’s all about to change.
From 2028, Ford Racing will become directly involved once again, working alongside M-Sport before an entirely new rally car arrives for the 2029 season.
And this isn’t simply Ford deciding it quite fancies going rallying again.
The company has made it clear that the experience and technology developed through the WRC programme will help influence its next generation of European road cars.
In other words, what happens on a muddy rally stage on a Sunday could eventually help shape the Ford you drive on a Monday.
We rather like the sound of that.
Rallying Runs Through MS-RT
Of course, there’s another reason we’re particularly pleased about the announcement.
M-Sport’s motorsport expertise has always been at the heart of MS-RT.
It’s the reason today’s MS-RT vehicles look and feel the way they do. Take one look at a Transit Custom MS-RT, Tourneo Custom MS-RT or Ranger MS-RT and the motorsport influence isn’t exactly difficult to spot.
The aggressive styling, wider stance and sporting details aren’t there by accident. MS-RT was created with motorsport in its DNA and that relationship with M-Sport remains an important part of what makes these vehicles different.
So, seeing Ford strengthening that relationship and returning properly to the WRC feels rather special.
A New Chapter for Ford
Ford has enjoyed some incredible moments in rallying over the years, with names including the Escort, Focus and Fiesta becoming part of WRC history.
Ford cars have won 94 WRC rallies and the factory team collected three manufacturers’ titles before withdrawing at the end of 2012.
Now there is another chapter to be written.
Ford says its future road cars will blend off-road capability with its rally-bred heritage, using lessons learned in competition to improve responsiveness, handling and driver engagement.
That’s something we’ll be watching very closely at MS-RT Leasing.
Because if there’s one thing we’ve learned from our years working with MS-RT, it’s that motorsport isn’t just about what happens on the track or rally stage.
Sometimes, the best bits eventually find their way onto the road.
Welcome back, Ford. We’ve missed you.
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