Ford Motors Gears Up for a Triumphant Return to Le Mans in 2027
Ford Motor Company will reignite its illustrious history in prototype sports car racing by joining the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) in 2027. The company is driven to replicate the remarkable success it enjoyed nearly 60 years ago.
Ford Performance is spearheading this venture with a fully backed factory team poised to compete in the FIA WEC, targeting the pinnacle of endurance races – the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
From 1966 to 1969, Ford achieved four consecutive victories at Le Mans, the most revered endurance race in the French city of the same name. Since then, Ford has concentrated on securing class victories, notably winning the Ford GT in the GTLM class in 2016 and, more recently, with the Ford Mustang GT3.
Bill Ford, Executive Chair of Ford Motor Company, expressed his enthusiasm about Ford's racing future: "We are embarking on a new era of performance and racing at Ford. Our commitment extends from our on-road and off-road ventures to the racetrack. We race to win, and no race is more significant to our history than Le Mans, where we famously overcame Ferrari in the 1960s and again fifty years later. I am excited for our return to Le Mans to compete at the highest level of endurance racing. We are ready to challenge the world and 'go like hell!'"
Frédéric Lequien, CEO of FIA World Endurance Championship, welcomed Ford's decision: "Ford's name is synonymous with success both on and off the track. The commitment of at least ten major automotive brands to our top-tier series by 2027 highlights the championship’s strong momentum and growth."
Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest, also celebrated Ford's return: "It's fantastic to welcome Ford back to the elite level of the 24 Hours of Le Mans after nearly six decades. Ford has always cherished this special race, never settling for anything less than victory. The revival of its historic rivalry with Ferrari is particularly thrilling."
Richard Mille, President of the FIA Endurance Commission, commented on the perfect match between Ford and endurance racing: "Ford’s long-standing motorsport heritage and passion for competition, instilled by Henry Ford himself, make its return to the top tier of this discipline a significant affirmation of the Hypercar regulations' success and appeal. We are indeed in the golden age of endurance racing."
Further information about Ford’s comeback will be announced in due course.