Ford has officially announced its return to the top category of the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2027, a move that marks its return to the top of endurance racing after more than sixty years. This historic return will be made effective with an LMDh prototype, which will compete head to head against renowned manufacturers such as Ferrari, Toyota, Porsche, BMW, Aston Martin and Peugeot, among others. The decision was announced during an event held by Ford Performance in North Carolina, which underlines the strategic importance of this announcement for the American firm.
Ford's relationship with the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans is legendary. Between 1966 and 1969, the Ford GT40 achieved the seemingly impossible: four consecutive overall victories, defeating Ferrari in one of the most intense rivalries in motorsport history. This confrontation became a legend which was immortalized in the film “Ford v Ferrari” (titled “Le Mans 66” in some countries). Now, in 2027, Ford has the unique opportunity to rekindle that historic contest on the La Sarthe circuit.
Bill Ford, CEO of Ford Motor Company, expressed his enthusiasm for the project during the launch event. «We are entering a new era for Ford. When we compete, we do it to win. There is no track or race that means more to our history than Le Mans. We took on Ferrari there and won in the 60s. We came back 50 years later and surprised the world. Now we are ready to challenge it again.
An LMDh prototype to lead the new era
Ford to compete in WEC Hypercar class with LMDh prototype, a significant choice that combines high performance with cost efficiencyThis allows manufacturers to use standard components, such as chassis from approved suppliers, as well as shared hybrid systems, facilitating vehicle development. Although Ford has not yet announced who will be the chassis supplier, there is speculation that Multimatic, a regular collaborator of the brand, could be the chosen one.
The FIA technical regulations state that LMDh cars must have a minimum weight of 1.000kg and a maximum power of 680bhp, characteristics that Ford will be making the most of in its return to the top of endurance motorsport. Competition promises to be fierce, with rivals such as Porsche and Ferrari already established in this category, as well as other brands such as Toyota and Peugeot that have dominated in recent years.
Ford's global expansion into motorsports
This return to Le Mans is part of a Ford's broader plan to expand its presence in the main categories of motor sport. In 2026, the company will debut as an engine supplier in Formula 1, specifically with Red Bull Racing. In addition, Ford has strengthened its presence in competitions such as the Dakar Rally, where it recently achieved a podium, and in NASCAR, where he continues to be a key player.
The manufacturer has also had recent success in endurance racing with the Ford Mustang GT3, which earned a victory in the GTD Pro category at the recent 24 Hours of Daytona. These victories demonstrate that Ford is not just looking to the past, but is seeking to establish itself as a leader in modern motorsport.
Preparing for the challenge
Competing in the WEC Hypercar category will not be a easy taskFord will face a field with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Cadillac, Alpine and Genesis, as well as the aforementioned Ferrari and Toyota. Each of these brands has developed ambitious projects to remain competitive in a championship that leaves no room for error.
Despite the challenges, Ford's return to Le Mans has incalculable symbolic value. Not only will it rekindle the rivalry with Ferrari, but it will also allow the brand to demonstrate its capacity for innovation and its commitment with motorsports fans around the world. With more than half a century of endurance history, Ford is determined to write a new chapter that honours its legacy and shapes the future.
With this ambitious return, Ford reinforces its position as a global player in motorsport, ready not only to compete, but to win in each category in which it participates. This will undoubtedly be one of the most exciting projects to follow in the coming years.
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