Hello rally fans!
As you might’ve noticed M-Sport is my favorite rally team. There’s been some great talk about them developing a Puma Rally2 car, so in today’s post that will be the topic we’ll discuss.
Following the discontinuation of the Ford Fiesta earlier this year, M-Sport set the goal on the Puma as the basis for its next Rally2 opponent. However, this depends (yet again lol) on crucial regulatory changes by the FIA, which will determine whether this vision becomes a reality.
Under current FIA regulations, the Puma’s height and weight present significant challenges. Richard Millener, M-Sport’s team principal, has brought attention to the need for a Rally1 style tubular chassis to make the project usable. The FIA’s proposed 2027 regulations could pave the way for this! All of this was discussed at the Rally Japan (last event of the season), and it aims to allow manufacturers to choose between combustion engines powered by 100% synthetic fuel, electric motors, or hybrid systems (including hydrogen too). A balance ofperformance system, using a torque meter that isalready successful in Rally X, will ensure fair competition between different powertrains. This aligns with the FIA’s goal of making rallying a testing ground for innovative road car technologies.
If the FIA approves these changes during the December 11 meeting, M-Sport could begin work on Puma Rally2, marking a huuuge shift for the British team. Expanding the Puma’s presence into Rally2 would strengthen Ford’s rallying legacy and provide new opportunities for privateers and aspiring drivers :)
Thanks for reading & upvoting!!
Following this theme Bernie Sanders popped into my mind so I made a meme that connects closely 🤣
*Photo credit to M-Sport