The Fiesta R2 is M-Sport’s first global rally car and is based on the Ford Fiesta Sport model. With the introduction of the Fiesta R2 and the Fiesta Super 2000, it will allow competitors to graduate in Ford cars from national level right through to the WRC.

The R2 has been built from a standard conversion kit developed by M-Sport. The kit to convert the car to rally specification includes engine parts to lift the engine performance. The gearbox has also been replaced for a sequential shift unit with a limited slip differential, as have the brakes and Reiger suspension. Beyond these specific items, M-Sport has used as many standard Ford components as possible in order to reduce costs for the competitor.

M-Sport has been Ford's partner in the WRC since 1997 and developed the record-breaking Focus RS WRC that won the World Rally Championship Manufacturers' title for Ford in both 2006 and 2007. The knowledge gained from the development of that car and M-Sport’s expertise in design and engineering has been transferred to the creation of the Group R car.

The Fiesta R2 has since been sold in over 34 countries and secured class victories around the globe. In 2011, Elfyn Evans piloted the Fiesta R2 to its record-breaking best finish when he secured 16th place overall at Rallye de France Alsace.