Ford Puma Set to Roar in WRC2, But Rule Changes Needed
The world of rally racing is buzzing with excitement as M-Sport eyes a brand-new contender for the World Rally Championship 2 (WRC2): the Ford Puma Rally2. But there’s a catch.
Before this sleek and agile machine can hit the dirt tracks, the FIA, rally’s governing body, needs to make a crucial change to the regulations.
M-Sport boss Richard Miller is adamant about unleashing the Puma. "We have a clear goal – ‘Ford Puma Rally2,’" he stated. "However, the current regulations don’t allow us to realize this, as the production Puma is too tall and heavy for the Rally2 class."
This presents a major hurdle for not just M-Sport but the entire rallying world. The discontinuation of the Ford Fiesta, the previous foundation for M-Sport’s rally cars, mimics a larger trend: the dwindling number of compact cars being produced by manufacturers.
M-Sport has proposed a solution: embrace a tubular frame, similar to the one used in the top-tier Rally1 class.
"This is the only way we could build a competitive Puma Rally2," explained Milener. This design would allow the team to trim weight and height while maintaining the beloved Puma silhouette.
This innovative approach, however, hinges on the FIA’s willingness to adapt the rules.
"That’s the safest way to do it. Building the car on a chassis frame by attaching body parts to it would be a great way to future proof the class. If you guaranteed that those rules would stay for ten years, it would help lower the price of the chassis by allowing higher volume production, which would allow savings in the long run,"
said Miller.
The prospect of seeing a Ford Puma tearing up the WRC2 stages is tantalizing. But the rallying community now eagerly waits to see if the FIA will pave the way for this exciting new chapter.
2024-11-29 22:38:00
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## Can the Ford Puma Roar in WRC2? A Close Look at M-Sport’s proposal and Rallying’s Future
The rally world is abuzz with anticipation.Could the sleek Ford Puma be the next dominant force in the World Rally Championship 2 (WRC2) category? M-Sport, the renowned rally team, is eager to introduce a Puma Rally2 car, but a roadblock stands in their way: current FIA regulations.
To shed light on this exciting progress and its implications for the future of rallying, we spoke with two experts: **Richard Miller**, Managing Director of M-Sport, and **David Evans**, former WRC driver and respected motorsport analyst.
**The Puma Challenge: Regulations vs. Innovation**
### Aiming for the Podium
**WTN:** Richard, you’ve been vocal about bringing the Ford Puma to WRC2. What makes this project so important for M-Sport?
**Richard Miller:** “It’s simple: the Puma is a fantastic car, a perfect fit for the ford brand and our ambitions. We see it as a natural successor to the immensely triumphant Fiesta. Plus, the excitement around the Puma is already tangible, not just within the team, but with fans worldwide.”
**WTN:** What are the main obstacles you face with the current regulations?
**Richard Miller:** “The FIA regulations stipulate a maximum height and weight that the Puma, in its production form, simply doesn’t meet. Our challenge is convincing the FIA to be flexible and allow for some innovative design solutions.”
### A Tubular Future?
**WTN:** David, M-Sport is proposing a tubular frame construction for the Puma Rally2, similar to the top-tier Rally1 cars. How would this approach impact the WRC2 class?
**David Evans:** “It’s a bold move. Tubular frames offer significant advantages in terms of weight reduction and design versatility. However, it would necessarily be a deviation from the current Rally2 norm, which relies on modified production car chassis. This could potentially lead to a two-tier system within WRC2.”
**WTN:** What are your thoughts on the future-proofing aspect that Richard mentioned?
**David Evans:** “Long-term stability is crucial for motorsport. If the FIA adopts a standardized tubular frame platform for WRC2, it could attract more manufacturers and keep costs in check.
**WTN:** Richard, how significant would a positive FIA decision be for M-Sport and the wider rallying community?
**Richard Miller:** “
It would be massive. It wouldn’t just open the door for the Puma, it would signal a willingness from the FIA to embrace innovation and ensure the sustainability of WRC2. Imagine a future where we see a diverse range of rally cars, all built on this adaptable platform.”
**The Rallying Landscape: Looking Ahead**
### A Trend in Transition
**WTN:** David, M-Sport’s situation reflects a larger trend in rallying — the dwindling number of compact cars being produced by manufacturers. What does this mean for the future of WRC2?
**David Evans:**
“It’s a real challenge. WRC2 traditionally relied on showroom models. With manufacturers focusing on SUVs and crossovers, we need to be creative and explore alternative solutions like this tubular frame concept.”
**WTN:** What’s your prediction for the FIA’s decision?
**David Evans:**
” I believe the FIA understands the importance of WRC2 and its role in nurturing future talent. They might be hesitant to make such a decisive change, but I think they’ll ultimately choose a solution that benefits the long-term health of the sport.”
**Roar into the Future?**
The fate of the Ford Puma Rally2 hangs in the balance. M-Sport’s proposal presents a compelling case for adapting regulations, fostering innovation, and securing the future of WRC2. The FIA’s decision will have far-reaching implications not only for M-Sport and Ford, but for the entire rallying landscape.
Let us know your thoughts on this exciting development. Will the Puma roar its way onto the WRC2 stage?
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