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 are the FIA’s current rules regarding spaceframe chassis in the Rally2 category?
## Ford Aims for Puma Rally2 Debut Pending FIA Rule Changes
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re talking about exciting news from the world of rallying. M-Sport has announced ambitious plans to develop a Ford Puma Rally2 car, but there’s a catch. Joining us to discuss this is Alex Reed, motorsport journalist and expert on all things rally.
Welcome to the show, Alex Reed.
**Alex Reed:** Thanks for having me.
**Host:** So, M-Sport is ready to roll with this Puma Rally2, but they need the FIA to make some rule changes first. Can you tell us more about that?
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely. The current Rally2 regulations don’t allow for the use of spaceframe chassis, which are crucial for achieving the kind of performance M-Sport is aiming for with the Puma. They’re lighter, stronger, and more adaptable for high-performance rallying [[1](https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/m-sport-ready-to-build-puma-rally2-subject-to-fia-change/)].
**Host:** So, it sounds like M-Sport is basically saying, ”Give us the green light on these rule changes, and we’ll deliver a fantastic new car”?
**Alex Reed:** Essentially, yes. They’ve already got the groundwork laid, but they need those regulations to be in place before they can fully commit to development.
**Host:** And what are the chances of the FIA making these changes?
**Alex Reed:** It’s a bit uncertain at this point. The Rally2 category is facing a bit of a challenge with a dwindling field of competitive cars. The FIA is definitely aware of this and seems open to exploring changes to revitalize the category.
**Host:** Interesting. So, a Ford Puma Rally2 could be a real game-changer if it gets the go-ahead.
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely. It would be fantastic for the sport and a real testament to M-Sport’s engineering capabilities.
**Host:** Well, we’ll be keeping our eyes peeled for any updates on this story. Thanks for joining us, Alex Reed, and thanks for watching, everyone.
