The first test runs of the Ford Fiesta with a WRC kit have sparked discussion. But M-Sport team principal Richard Millener does not want to raise false expectations. Although the Fiesta will officially compete from 2027 in the Rally1 category, technically it differs only in a few details from the previous Rally2 car.
"You have to remember it's still 95 percent a Rally2 car," Millener explained on the Krunching Gears podcast. "The air restrictor is one millimetre larger, the minimum weight ten kilograms lower, there is a bit more aerodynamics and an electronically controlled boost valve instead of a mechanical wastegate."
Specifically: The Fiesta may run with a 33 instead of 32 millimeter turbo restrictor, its minimum weight drops to 1.220 kilograms. There are also modified front fenders, a new front bumper and an additional rear wing. According to the FIA, the aerodynamic package may cost a maximum of 7.500 euros. Engine, gearbox and the basic vehicle construction remain largely unchanged.
How big will the advantage actually be?
That makes the Fiesta fundamentally more powerful than an ordinary Rally2. How much time the changes will bring on a special stage remains to be seen. Millener expects the advantage to vary depending on stage characteristics and conditions. On some stages the times of the two car classes could even be very close to each other.
"I think we will see very interesting stage times and results from fast Rally2 drivers at some rallies," says the Brit.
That could be especially true on gravel, where starting position can have a significant influence on times. A Rally2 driver starting later may benefit from a road already cleared, while the Rally1 drivers had previously had to sweep away the loose surface.
For M-Sport the Fiesta with WRC-Kit is in any case a transitional solution. The FIA initially allows such upgraded Rally2 cars in the top category only in 2027 and 2028. From 2029 Ford, together with M-Sport, plans to field a completely newly developed Rally1 car.
