M-Sport Team Principal Richard Millener confirmed to DirtFish that the team will develop a Rally2 WRC Kit for the Ford Fiesta Rally2 for the 2027 season. The FIA publicly announced the Rally2 WRC Kit regulation on Tuesday, which aims to improve the performance of Rally2 cars, making them competitive with the next generation of WRC27 machines.
How will the kit arrangement work?
According to the new regulations, any Rally2 car homologated before December 31, 2026, will be eligible to have front fenders, a front bumper, and rear aerodynamic add-ons fitted. This kit, which can be applied at a maximum cost of €7,500, will qualify the vehicles to compete in the 2027 and 2028 seasons. Manufacturers who homologate a kit will also be required to participate in all stages of the World Rally Championship with at least two vehicles. Currently, Toyota is the only competitor developing a completely new car; however, Project Rally One and WRT Rally1 Spain are also expected to join the championship.
M-Sport had previously expressed its intention to build a new car; however, this plan was being considered for the 2028 season. For now, the team will apply a kit to the current Fiesta Rally2, taking advantage of the FIA's new regulations. Millener commented on the matter: ’For now, it's clear that only Toyota has a new car for next year. I think it's important to create a structure that will allow other manufacturers to also compete in the top category. The FIA also envisions how to implement a solution that will create a clear difference between the current Rally2 and the 2027 car, making them comparable.“
Millener: "You have to come to the party."“
Millener emphasized that the kit development process also provided an opportunity to re-examine other components of the car. “The water leakage valve and protection issues we experienced in the extremely challenging conditions in Kenya this year showed that there is still room for improvement in protecting parts like the alternators and belts,” he said. Millener also added that while they are working on minor improvements to keep Romet Jürgenson racing in the championship this season, the kit development process allowed them to quickly revisit everything. On the other hand, he clearly stated their goals: “Our aim is to have a new car as soon as possible. This is a new regulation; therefore, developing one and a half cars effectively in such a short time is quite challenging. It’s a matter of balance.”
Toyota Technical Director Tom Fowler explained that they are pursuing a different strategy. Fowler said, “Our Rally2 car already dominates WRC2, and WRC2 is currently a very popular category. I don’t think this will change next season. Therefore, our plan is to continue offering our customers opportunities in WRC2 while also competing in the top category with the 2027 car.’ Toyota will not be developing a kit for the GR Yaris Rally2. DirtFish also requested comments from other Rally2 manufacturers Škoda, Stellantis, and Hyundai on this matter.