Carlos Sainz to drive a Ford Puma Rally1 at the Rally de Asturias Histórico

Carlos Sainz is set to return to a top-category WRC car at the Rally de Asturias Histórico. Marca reports that the Spanish driver will start in a Puma Rally1, supported by Red Bull, Ford and Pirelli. He has been getting used to asphalt again by practising in an Escort WRC owned by Past Racing; that will not be his competition car, however, as he will drive the Ford Puma Rally1 in the Principality.

The model has already won WRC events with Tanak. Jon Armstrong, Josh McErlean and Martins Sesks were its main drivers in the last championship. Sainz described the car on social media: “It is a latest-generation car that we will be able to drive thanks to Ford, Red Bull and Pirelli.” The Puma is Ford’s latest model built under the Rally1 regulations. He added: “Luis [Moya] and I are really looking forward to trying it.”

For Sainz, the appearance marks a return to a rally in a top-category car. He had not started a full event since the 2013 Rally Legend, where he drove the Volkswagen Polo WRC and played an important part in its development. He has tested several cars since then.

The outing also sits alongside the next steps in his motorsport career. Ford is expected to return as an official manufacturer in the future; the brand is already competing in the W2RC with Sainz as a leading figure, and in Formula 1 through its association with Red Bull’s team structures.

From next Thursday, Sainz will be back behind the wheel of a top-category car and will receive a tribute. The appearance is also intended to contribute to his preparation for January’s Rally Dakar, where he is among the favourites for overall victory. Meanwhile, after 17 of 23 rounds of the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship, Sainz, with Williams, is 18th on 7 points and has no wins, 333 points behind leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who has 340. Red Bull is fourth in the constructors’ championship on 332 points, 246 behind Mercedes.