Ford Aims for Puma Rally2 Debut Pending FIA Rule Changes
M-Sport is poised to launch development of a formidable Ford Puma Rally2 competitor, but a crucial hurdle stands between their ambition and reality: a need for regulatory changes in the World Rally Championship’s second tier. Currently, the rules prevent the use of a tubular chassis, essential for M-Sport to meet both performance and weight-reduction targets for the Puma.
“We have a very clear goal – a Ford Puma Rally2,” states Richard Millener, Head of the M-Sport team. “However, present regulations make this difficult because the production Puma is simply too bulky and heavy to be competitive within the Rally2 class.”
Adding another layer of complexity is the discontinuation of Ford’s Fiesta model, which previously served as the foundation for M-Sport’s Rally2 entries. This challenge extends beyond M-Sport, impacting the entire rallying world, as B-segment cars (small city cars) are becoming increasingly scarce among manufacturers.
Could a Tubular Chassis be the Solution?
M-Sport proposes a solution mirroring that already implemented in the top-tier Rally1 category: a specialized tubular chassis. “This is the only feasible path to building a confident and successful Puma Rally2,” explains Millener.
This design approach would allow for a significant reduction in both the vehicle’s weight and height, while retaining the unmistakable Puma aesthetic.
The completion of this exciting project hinges on a crucial decision by the FIA: a rule change permitting the use of tubular chassis in Rally2. If approved, rally enthusiasts could soon witness the debut of the highly anticipated Ford Puma Rally2 soaring through competitive stages.
“It’s the safest and most future-proof way to approach this,” Millener asserts. “Constructing the car on a frame chassis with separate body panels attached would not only offer greater flexibility for development, but also lead to substantial cost savings in the long term. If the FIA could guarantee a stable set of rules for a period of ten years, we could see volume production costs decrease significantly.”
What is preventing the Ford Puma Rally2 from debuting in the WRC?
## Ford Aims for Puma Rally2 Debut Pending FIA Rule Changes
Today we are joined by [Alex Reed Name], motorsport journalist, to discuss exciting news coming from M-Sport regarding the possibility of a Ford Puma Rally2 car entering the WRC’s second tier.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, [Alex Reed Name]. M-Sport is making headlines with their plans for a Puma Rally2. Can you tell our viewers what makes this development so noteworthy?
**Alex Reed:** You’re welcome! Absolutely. M-Sport has a fantastic history in rally, especially with Ford, and the prospect of a Puma Rally2 car is incredibly exciting for fans. They’re essentially ready to go with the development, they’ve expressed that clearly [[1](https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/m-sport-ready-to-build-puma-rally2-subject-to-fia-change/)].
**Interviewer:** What’s the hang-up? Why aren’t we seeing this Puma tearing up the tracks already?
**Alex Reed:** There’s a slight roadblock in the form of FIA regulations. Currently, Rally2 rules don’t allow for spaceframe chassis, which are essential for M-Sport’s design philosophy and to achieve the performance they desire. They need the FIA to make a change to allow these chassis types, and then they’re ready to move forward.
**Interviewer: ** That makes sense. Do we have any indication from the FIA if they are considering this change?
**Alex Reed:** The FIA is aware of the need for a Rally2 refresh. Existing models are becoming scarce and the category needs fresh blood. Whether this specific rule change will happen, and when, that’s still uncertain.
**Interviewer:** Interesting. So, we’re left in a bit of a holding pattern, hoping the FIA approves the change so we can see this Puma in action?
**Alex Reed:** That’s the situation right now. It’s a waiting game, but hopefully a short one. Everyone in the rally world is eager to see what M-Sport can achieve with this potential Puma Rally2 racer.
**Interviewer:** Well, thank you for shedding light on this for us, [Alex Reed Name]. We’ll all be keeping our eyes peeled for any developments on this front.
