PUMA: CAN IT BRING M-SPORT AND FORD BACK TO THE WRC SUMMIT?

This is arguably the most important challenger to ever come off the M-Sport production line. There’s a lot riding on the Cumbrian firm’s latest creation, far more to the Ford Puma hybrid Rally1 car than simply a bid to bring the team and manufacturer back to the top of the World Rally Championship.

The WRC’s decision to adopt hybrid technology from 2022 has thrown teams a new challenge: to construct all-new, tougher, safer and faster cars, powered by a 1.6-litre internal combustion engine coupled to a Compact Dynamics-built 100kW hybrid system. Under the new rules, hybrid power is expected to be used in every stage next year, as well as on road sections between tests. This new era for rallying has arrived to ensure the championship remains relevant and in line with current