Ford is set to make a remarkable comeback to the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2027, marking its return to the Hypercar class. The announcement of this significant move came on the eve of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with the appointment of Dan Sayers as the Hypercar program manager. Sayers, a seasoned figure in global motorsport, notably contributed to Ford’s reentry into Formula 1 with Red Bull and has a rich background working on Aston Martin programs in GT3 and GT4 racing, as well as experience in the FIA World Rally Championship and Dakar Rally.
Sayers expressed his enthusiasm for leading Ford back to Le Mans, highlighting the special opportunity to aim for overall victory, a feat he had achieved with Aston Martin in class victories at Le Mans. The partnership with chassis supplier Oreca will be instrumental in Ford’s return to the top Hypercar division, following the LMDh rules requiring manufacturers to select a chassis supplier as the foundation for their prototypes.
Ford’s decision to re-enter the top class at Le Mans was motivated by the desire to reclaim past glories, with the company’s president and CEO, Jim Farley, emphasizing the ambition to win. The collaboration with Oreca signifies a proud moment for Ford, as they gear up to compete against formidable rivals like Ferrari in a bid to replicate their historic successes from the 1960s. The Blue Oval brand has been absent from the fight for overall Le Mans victory for over six decades, making its impending return in 2027 all the more significant.
Mark Rushbrook, Ford Performance global director, lauded the selection of Sayers and the partnership with Oreca as critical elements in laying the groundwork for a successful Ford WEC Hypercar program. With the anticipation building for Ford’s reentry into prototype racing, Rushbrook underscored the importance of having the right team and platform in place. The collaboration between Oreca and Sayers is seen as pivotal in shaping Ford’s competitive edge as they prepare to compete at Le Mans and take on the challenge posed by elite teams.
The move by Ford to venture back into the realm of endurance racing carries historical weight, harking back to its illustrious past at Le Mans. The decision to join forces with Oreca and appoint a seasoned motorsport expert like Sayers reflects Ford’s strategic approach to re-establishing its presence in top-tier competition. As Ford gears up for its much-anticipated return to Le Mans in 2027, the motorsport community eagerly awaits the unfolding of this new chapter in the brand’s racing legacy.
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