M-Sport has just unveiled the latest version of the Ford Puma Rally1, designed to compete in the World Rally Championship (WRC) for 2026.
This British racing team has decided to refresh its visual identity with a new livery, moving away from the previous season’s purple design adorned with Red Bull branding. Instead, they’ve opted for a vibrant color palette of white, green, and blue that is sure to turn heads on the rally stages.
One of the most significant factors behind this change is M-Sport’s enhanced partnership with Motorsport Ireland and its rally academy. This collaboration has led to an all-Irish lineup of drivers for the upcoming season, featuring Joshua McErlean and Jon Armstrong. McErlean, now embarking on his second year with M-Sport after showcasing impressive skills during his rookie season last year, is joined by the 31-year-old Armstrong. Armstrong earned his place in the Rally1 category after finishing as the runner-up in the 2025 European Rally Championship, having claimed victories in events held in Wales and Croatia.
In preparing for the new season, M-Sport has dedicated its off-season development efforts primarily to enhancing the geometry and weight distribution of the Puma. Tim Jackson, the lead engineer for the Puma Rally1, shared insights on their plans at the conclusion of the previous season: "We have a small plan, but it is likely we won’t utilize all of the homologation jokers. However, we are exploring some adjustments to the geometry to improve weight distribution and restore that critical balance."
Jackson elaborated, addressing some of the enhancements that may not be overtly performance-related. He noted, "One area we focused on last year and into 2025 has been brake cooling. Although it isn't something that appears in homologation paperwork, it plays a vital role. While brake cooling isn’t a direct performance feature, perfecting it enables the optimization of our brake systems. This consistency means drivers can maintain performance throughout each stage—if the brakes begin to fade towards the end of a stage, it could hinder their ability to drive at full capacity. Achieving solutions that allow drivers to operate at their peak enhances overall performance, especially as a car ages."
Recently, the team wrapped up pre-season testing in southern France, gearing up for the Monte Carlo rally, which kicks off next week. Jackson commented on the testing experience: "Our test went exceptionally well. Given our relatively young driver lineup, we’re focused on helping Jon acclimate to the team while building his mileage and confidence ahead of the rally. We maintain realistic expectations; Monte Carlo is a unique event where consistent performance throughout the weekend can lead to favorable results. Let others push too hard and make mistakes while we continue to develop as the rally progresses."
What do you think about M-Sport's new direction for the 2026 season? Are you excited about the all-Irish driver lineup? Share your thoughts in the comments!
