M-Sport Ford has unveiled the 2026 version of the Ford Puma Rally1, a car that is set to challenge the winding roads of the WRC. With a bold new livery and a promising duo of Irish drivers, this season looks exciting. While the white, green, and blue livery turns heads, competitive performance is equally crucial to attract fans.
A Bold Livery Change
For 2026, M-Sport has decided to refresh its look. Gone is the purple that dominated in 2025 thanks to a partnership with Red Bull; the Ford Puma Rally1 now sports bright colors reminiscent of Ireland. This change is much more than just a matter of aesthetics. It is part of a strengthening of ties between M-Sport and Motorsport Ireland, an alliance that promises to bring a new breeze to the rally world.
The fact that the team is fielding a 100% Irish driver duo, Josh McErlean and Jon Armstrong, underscores this desire to further root itself in the Irish rally landscape. McErlean, 26, who made his Rally1 debut last year after shining in WRC2, is now supported by Jon Armstrong, a 31-year-old veteran who finished as the European Rally Championship runner-up in 2025. Their victories in Wales and Croatia testify to undeniable potential.
The 2026 livery of the Ford Puma M-Sport in WRC
Targeted Technical Evolutions
In terms of technical development, M-Sport has opted for a pragmatic approach. According to Tim Jackson, chief engineer of the Ford Puma Rally1, the team has focused its winter work on the car’s geometry and weight distribution. No radical changes, but subtle adjustments to optimize road behavior.
“We have a relatively limited program, and it is likely that we won’t use all our homologation jokers,” he explained. This means that M-Sport is betting on gradual improvements rather than a complete overhaul. Moreover, some optimizations, such as brake cooling, do not appear in the official documentation but are just as crucial.
“Brake cooling is not a performance gain in itself, but when optimized, it allows for full utilization of the braking system throughout the stages,” Jackson specifies. Indeed, good cooling prevents brake pedal degradation at the end of a stage, which is essential for maintaining a steady pace during critical phases.
Encouraging Tests Before the Big Start
The team recently completed its preseason testing in the south of France, just before the championship kickoff in Monte-Carlo. “The tests went very well,” Jackson confided. The main goal was to familiarize Jon Armstrong with the team and accumulate as many kilometers as possible to build their mutual confidence.
The challenge of Monte-Carlo is significant. “We know where we stand, but Monte-Carlo is a rally where consistency pays off. If you stay solid throughout the weekend, you can find yourself at the front.” Jackson mentions a patient strategy, allowing other teams to take risks while steadily progressing in the standings.
A Promising Future for the Ford Puma Rally1
As the 2026 season promises to be full of challenges, M-Sport seems ready to make its mark. With an eye-catching livery and motivated drivers, the Ford Puma Rally1 could very well surprise. The importance of a good strategy and consistent driving cannot be underestimated in this sport where every second counts.
Rally fans can therefore expect an exciting season. With such a dedicated team and a constantly evolving car, the Ford Puma Rally1 could soon make headlines on the WRC podiums. The stakes are high, but M-Sport has proven it knows how to rise to challenges brilliantly.
