As has been rumored for some time, M-Sport’s 2022 Rally1 contender will be styled around the Ford Puma model. The Cumbria, UK-based team unveiled the car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
“Ford is 100 % committed to an electrified future, and the white heat of competition has been responsible for many of the innovations that appear in our road cars today,” said Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance. “The M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1 will put hybrid power to the ultimate test and prove that the technology is capable of delivering thrilling performance.”
M-Sport Ford has committed to a new three-year agreement introducing hybrid technology to the top tier of global rally sport. In addition to the use of hybrid systems, FIA WRC Rally1 competitors will use a fossil-free fuel from the 2022 season, blending synthetic and biodegradable elements to produce a fuel that is 100% sustainable.
“The new era of WRC cars is one of the biggest technological advancements in WRC to date. The introduction of the hybrid means that the cars will be more powerful than ever while also directly reflecting the powertrains within their roadgoing counterparts,” said Malcolm Wilson, managing director of M-Sport. “The switch to the Puma is very exciting, with the name already having rally heritage. The car looks fantastic and I cannot wait to see it at the start line of the famous Monte Carlo Rally in early 2022.”
