Ford Announces Bold Return to Le Mans in 2027

In a thrilling development for motorsport enthusiasts, Ford has declared its intention to re-enter the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2027, aiming for an overall victory that has eluded the marque since 1969. This move signifies a bold return to the top tier of endurance racing, as Ford plans to compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship’s (WEC) Hypercar class with a new LMDh prototype.

Ford’s Storied Legacy at Le Mans

Ford’s history at Le Mans is nothing short of legendary. In the 1960s, the company achieved four consecutive victories from 1966 to 1969 with the iconic GT40, a feat that not only showcased engineering prowess but also cemented its place in racing lore. The 1966 triumph, in particular, is etched in history, where Ford famously bested Ferrari, leading to a 1-2-3 finish. This historic rivalry was later immortalized in the film “Ford v Ferrari,” bringing the tale to a new generation of fans.

The 2016 Resurgence

Fast forward to 2016, Ford commemorated the 50th anniversary of its first Le Mans win by introducing the Ford GT in the GTE Pro class. Partnering with Chip Ganassi Racing, the team clinched a class victory on its debut, echoing the success of the 1960s and demonstrating Ford’s enduring commitment to performance and innovation.

The 2027 Ambition

Now, as the 60th anniversary of their initial triumph approaches, Ford is gearing up for a return to the top echelon of endurance racing. The company has announced plans to develop an LMDh prototype to compete in the 2027 24 Hours of Le Mans. While specific details about the chassis supplier or team partnerships remain under wraps, speculation is rife. Given Ford’s previous collaborations, Multimatic—a Canadian engineering firm and one of the four approved LMDh chassis suppliers—emerges as a potential partner. Multimatic was instrumental in developing the recent Ford GT and the current Mustang GT3 racing car.

Bill Ford, the company’s executive chairman, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are entering a new era for performance and racing at Ford. You can see it from what we’re doing on-road and off-road. When we race, we race to win. And there is no track or race that means more to our history than Le Mans. It is where we took on Ferrari and won in the 1960s. It is where we returned 50 years later and shocked the world and beat Ferrari again. I am thrilled that we’re going back to Le Mans and competing at the highest level of endurance racing. We are ready to once again challenge the world, and ‘go like hell!'”

A Competitive Landscape

The endurance racing arena has become increasingly competitive, with numerous manufacturers committing to the Hypercar class. By 2027, Ford will join a formidable lineup of at least ten major automotive brands in the WEC’s top tier, including Porsche, BMW, Alpine, Cadillac, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Peugeot, and Toyota. This resurgence underscores the growing allure of endurance racing and sets the stage for a modern-day showdown reminiscent of the classic Ford vs. Ferrari battles.

Looking Ahead

While the 2027 debut is still on the horizon, Ford’s announcement has already ignited excitement within the motorsport community. The company’s return to Le Mans not only honors its rich heritage but also signals a renewed commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive performance. As details emerge and development progresses, enthusiasts worldwide will be keenly watching Ford’s journey back to the Circuit de la Sarthe, eager to witness the next chapter in this storied saga.

In the words of Bill Ford, it’s time to “go like hell” once again.