M-Sport is gearing up to revolutionize the Rally2 category with a potential Ford Puma Rally2, but the plan hinges on the FIA implementing a major regulation change to allow spaceframe chassis in the World Rally Championship’s second tier. With the Rally2 rules overdue for an overhaul and B-segment cars like the now-discontinued Ford Fiesta dwindling in popularity, M-Sport is ready to pivot toward a more sustainable and innovative approach.
The Puma Rally2 Vision
The Ford Puma, already a standout in Rally1, is the ideal candidate to spearhead M-Sport’s next Rally2 project, according to team principal Richard Millener. By embracing a spaceframe chassis design—similar to Rally1’s cutting-edge safety cell concept—M-Sport aims to modernize the category while future-proofing it for a decade or more.
“A Ford Puma Rally2 is our target,” Millener said. “Moving to a spaceframe chassis and bolting scaled panels to it is the safest and most sensible way forward. If the FIA guarantees those rules for 10 years, it would lower costs significantly through economies of scale and larger-scale production.”
Why Spaceframe?
The current Rally2 cars rely on production-based models, a practice that’s becoming increasingly impractical as B-segment vehicles vanish from automakers’ lineups. M-Sport’s Millener argues that adopting spaceframe technology not only improves safety but also ensures the category’s viability in the long term.
“Since we started building Rally1 cars, all teams have learned a lot about streamlining, evolving, and improving the process,” he explained. “What’s to say we couldn’t add mechanization for Rally2? It makes sense, given the larger market and demand for these cars.”
Economies of Scale and Sustainability
Millener sees this as an opportunity to standardize production for Rally2 cars, making them more affordable and accessible for private teams.
“All of the Rally1 chassis are handbuilt, but Rally2’s market is much bigger. Mechanized production could lower costs while maintaining quality.”
The move could also open doors for manufacturers hesitant to join Rally2 due to high development costs, potentially revitalizing the category with fresh competition and more diverse entries.
The End of an Era for the Fiesta
M-Sport’s current Rally2 offering, based on the Ford Fiesta, is among the longest-standing cars in the category, with roots tracing back to the Super 2000 car of 2009. However, with Fiesta production ceasing in July 2022, the need for a successor has become urgent.
The FIA’s Role in the Future of Rally2
For the Puma Rally2 to become a reality, the FIA must first approve the inclusion of spaceframe chassis in Rally2 regulations. Such a change would align the category with Rally1’s advanced safety and engineering standards while paving the way for innovation.
Millener is optimistic about the shift, calling it a game-changer for cost, safety, and sustainability in the sport.
What’s Next?
While M-Sport waits for the FIA’s green light, the groundwork for the Ford Puma Rally2 is already being laid. Should the regulatory changes come through, the Puma Rally2 could signal a new era for Rally2, ensuring its relevance and growth in a rapidly evolving automotive landscape.
As the WRC evolves, M-Sport’s forward-thinking approach positions it as a leader in shaping rallying’s future. The Ford Puma Rally2 could not only redefine the category but also inspire a wave of innovation across the sport.
