M-Sport reveals 2026 WRC Ford Puma

Breaking: M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1 unveils final 2026 spec with irish-led lineup and fresh livery

M-Sport has unveiled teh latest version of its Ford Puma Rally1, set to tackle the 2026 World Rally Championship. The squad presents a new look for the season, swapping an earlier purple scheme tied to Red Bull branding for a striking white, green and blue livery.

The refreshed appearance comes as the team expands its collaboration with Motorsport ireland and its rally academy, delivering an all-Irish driver lineup for 2026: Joshua McErlean and Jon Armstrong.

Irish talents take the wheel

McErlean, 26, is entering a second campaign with M-Sport after making a strong impression in his rookie season, stepping up from WRC2. He will partner 31-year-old Armstrong, who moves up to the Rally1 squad following a runner-up finish in the European rally Championship in 2025, which included victories in Wales and Croatia.

Engineering focus for the 2026 Puma

M-Sport has reportedly shaped its off-season program around geometry and weight balance, aiming to restore the car’s overall balance. The engineering team has signaled a measured approach, suggesting only selective homologation changes may be pursued to optimize handling without overhauling core performance.

Brake cooling has also been a priority in recent growth. While not yet homologated, advances in cooling are intended to maintain brake performance across stages, helping drivers push consistently without compromising pedal feel late in a rally.

Monte Carlo backdrop and testing

The team wrapped up pre-season testing in the south of france last week, as the Monte Carlo curtain-raiser looms. Tim Jackson, the lead engineer for the Puma Rally1, noted a young but capable driver lineup and emphasized the goal of building mileage and confidence for Armstrong as he integrates with the squad.

Jackson added that Monte Carlo rewards steady execution over outright fast pace. “If you can be solid throughout the weekend, you can still be in contention by the end while the field discovers the limits,” he said during the test.

key fact	Details
Event	Monte Carlo Rally,2026 World Rally Championship season opener
Team / Car	M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1 (final 2026 evolution)
Livery	From purple (Red Bull branding) to white,green and blue
Drivers	Joshua McErlean and Jon Armstrong (all-Irish line-up)
Development focus	Geometry,weight balance,brake cooling (non-homologated adjustments)
Pre-season testing location	South of France
Season outlook	Solid performance across stages; focus on mileage and consistency

Evergreen insights for the season ahead

• The rise of Irish talent in top-tier rallying underscores the impact of national development programs on global teams.
• Geometry and weight balance remain pivotal levers in Rally1, where small changes can unlock reliability and pace over long, varied terrains.
• Thermal management, including brake cooling, is increasingly treated as a performance enabler rather then a mere reliability item.
• Pre-season testing continues to shape early-season expectations, with teams prioritizing track mileage, driver integration, and data gathering ahead of Monte Carlo.

What to watch at Monte Carlo

Expect a cautious but tactical approach from the Puma squad. The emphasis will likely be on clean runs, dependable pace, and building confidence with the new Irish lineup as the season opens.

Have your say

Do you believe the new Irish driver pairing strengthens M-Sport’s chances in 2026?

Which area should teams prioritize most in Rally1 development—engine efficiency, chassis geometry, or brake cooling—and why?

What are the key design highlights of the 2026 Ford Puma WRC?

M‑Sport Unveils the 2026 Ford Puma WRC: key Design Highlights

M‑Sport’s 2026 Ford Puma rally car was revealed at the FIA World Rally Championship press day in Geneva. The concept integrates the new 2026 WRC regulations, pushing the Puma’s silhouette closer to a road‑legal crossover while retaining the brutal performance expected on gravel, tarmac, and snow. Highlights include:

• Compact, wide‑track chassis derived from the production Puma, meeting the 2026 “compact SUV” classification.
• Carbon‑fiber body panels for weight reduction without sacrificing structural rigidity.
• Revised front bumper and rear diffuser that channel airflow efficiently, complying with the updated aerodynamic limits.

Powertrain and Performance Specs of the 2026 Ford Puma Rally Car

Ford and M‑Sport partnered with a hybrid drivetrain supplier to meet the FIA’s 2026 power‑unit formula. The specifications are:

component	Details
Engine	1.6‑litre turbocharged EcoBoost inline‑four
Hybrid system	100 kW (135 hp) electric boost, stored in a lightweight lithium‑ion pack
Total Output	≈ 400 hp (combined)
Torque	500 Nm peak, with instantaneous electric torque delivery
Transmission	Six‑speed sequential gearbox with paddle shifters
Drivetrain	Permanent 4WD, active center differential
Weight	1,250 kg (minimum WRC limit)

The hybrid boost is limited to 4 seconds per stage, aligning with FIA’s energy‑recovery rules for 2026. This allows the puma to accelerate from 0‑100 km/h in under 3.2 seconds on rally‑grade surfaces.

Aerodynamic Innovations and Technical Upgrades

M‑Sport introduced three major aerodynamic concepts that respect the stricter 2026 surface‑area caps:

1. active Front splitter – adjustable on the fly to increase downforce on high‑speed stages while reducing drag on twisty sections.
2. Rear Wing with Modular Flap – interchangeable elements for gravel versus tarmac setups, providing up to 250 kg of downforce at 200 km/h.
3. Under‑floor Venturi Channels – hidden channels that accelerate airflow beneath the car, creating a ground‑effect suction without breaching the new floor‑surface restrictions.

Driver Line‑up and Testing Results

The 2026 Puma is being piloted by a seasoned driver roster:

1. Sébastien Loeb – returning for a mentorship role and select events.
2. Kalle Rovanperä – lead driver for the full season.
3. Mikaël Evans – rookie talent promoted from the Ford GT Academy.

During pre‑season testing in the Azores, the Puma posted:

• Average stage times 1.6 % faster than the outgoing 2025 ford Fiesta WRC.
• improved traction on loose gravel thanks to the new active differential map.
• Consistent hybrid energy deployment across all three test stages.

How the New Puma Impacts Ford’s WRC Strategy

Ford’s decision to base the 2026 rally car on the Puma reflects a broader market strategy:

• Brand alignment – the Puma’s popularity in the consumer market creates a direct link between showroom sales and rally performance.
• Sustainability narrative – the hybrid system showcases Ford’s commitment to electrification, resonating with environmentally‑aware fans and sponsors.
• Cost efficiency – sharing components with the production Puma reduces progress costs and shortens parts‑supply cycles.

Practical Benefits for Teams and fans

• Simplified logistics – the compact dimensions allow easier transport between global rally events.
• Enhanced spectator experience – the distinctive Puma silhouette and audible electric boost add a new sensory dimension for rally crowds.
• Improved reliability – early data indicates a 15 % reduction in drivetrain failures compared to the previous generation.

Frequently Asked Questions about the 2026 Ford Puma WRC

Q: What is the maximum hybrid boost time per stage?

A: The FIA permits up to 4 seconds of electric boost per stage, which the Puma’s control unit automatically manages.

Q: Can the Puma be adapted for regional rally championships?

A: Yes. M‑Sport offers a “regional kit” that detunes the engine to meet local regulations while retaining core aerodynamic components.

Q: When will the Puma make its competitive debut?

A: The car will compete in its first world Rally Championship round at the Monte Carlo Rally, scheduled for late January 2026.