Ford Motor Company is making a bold return to the pinnacle of prototype sports car racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) in 2027, aiming to recapture the glory and success Ford racing experienced nearly six decades ago. Ford Performance will spearhead this effort, entering a full factory team in the FIA WEC with the goal of conquering the sport’s most prestigious event – the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Between 1966 and 1969, Ford dominated the event with four consecutive overall victories, cementing its legacy at the legendary race in Le Mans, France. In recent years, Ford has focused on class victories, including successes with the Ford GT in GTLM in 2016 and more recently with the Ford Mustang GT3.
Bill Ford, Executive Chair of Ford Motor Company, stated: “We are entering a new era for performance and racing at Ford, visible in everything we’re doing both on and off the track. When we race, we race to win. No race is more significant to our history than Le Mans – it’s where we faced off with Ferrari and triumphed in the 1960s. It’s also where we returned 50 years later and stunned the world by beating Ferrari again. I’m excited that we’re going back to Le Mans and competing at the highest level of endurance racing. We’re ready to challenge the world and ‘go like hell’ once again!”
Frédéric Lequien, CEO of the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC), added: “Ford has been a symbol of success both on and off the track for decades, and we are thrilled the company has chosen the FIA World Endurance Championship for its latest challenge. The commitment of at least ten major automotive brands to the series’ top-tier in 2027 is a testament to the championship’s tremendous momentum and growth.”
Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), shared: “It’s fantastic to welcome Ford back to the top level of the 24 Hours of Le Mans for the first time in nearly 60 years. The brand has always had a special connection with this historic race, and history shows that Ford doesn’t compete to come in second. The revival of its legendary rivalry with Ferrari is a thrilling prospect.”
Richard Mille, President of the FIA Endurance Commission, remarked: “Ford and endurance racing are an ideal match, proven time and again. The company has a rich motorsport heritage and a passion for competition that was instilled by Henry Ford himself. Ford’s return to the top tier is further validation of the success and appeal of the current Hypercar regulations. Endurance racing is experiencing its golden age, and we’re living it now.”
Further details about Ford’s return will be shared in the coming months.
