Ford Motor Company has revealed its plans to re-enter the top tier of prototype sports car racing in 2027 by competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). The announcement was made during the lead-up to this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, where Ford unveiled two crucial elements of its program.
The Ford WEC Hypercar program is scheduled to debut at the season-opening round of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in less than two years. ORECA, a French race car manufacturer, has been chosen as the chassis partner for the project, while Dan Sayers, coming from his role as Program Director at Red Bull Ford Powertrains, will lead the program.
Jim Farley, President and CEO of Ford Motor Company, expressed the company’s excitement about partnering with ORECA and its determination to win at Le Mans. Ford’s return to the top class at Le Mans signifies a significant milestone, with Bill Ford, the Executive Chair, sharing the dream of reclaiming victory. The company aims to challenge competitors like Ferrari, echoing its historic successes from the 1960s.
Notably, Ford’s last overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans dates back nearly six decades when the iconic Ford GT40 secured triumphs. In recent years, Ford has focused on class wins, including notable achievements with the Ford GTE Pro in 2016 and the Ford Mustang GT3 since 2024. The golden era for Ford at Le Mans was between 1966 and 1969 when they clinched four consecutive overall victories in France.
The collaboration with ORECA marks a strategic move for Ford, aiming to revive its legacy in sports car racing. The announcement reflects Ford’s commitment to reclaiming its position at the pinnacle of endurance racing, evoking nostalgia for past glories at Le Mans.
Industry experts view Ford’s return to the WEC Hypercar program as a significant development that could reshape the competitive landscape of prototype sports car racing. With Ford’s rich history in motorsports and the expertise brought by key partners like ORECA and Dan Sayers, the 2027 season promises thrilling competition and a revival of Ford’s legacy at Le Mans.
As Ford gears up for its ambitious venture into the hypercar program, fans and enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the unveiling of the full lineup and technical details of the Ford WEC Hypercar. The anticipation surrounding Ford’s return to the top tier of endurance racing underscores the brand’s enduring legacy and its enduring commitment to innovation and performance.
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