Photography courtesy Ford
Some things are just better together: Chocolate and peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, Tuesdays and tacos, Ford and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
That’s right, Ford plans to return the coveted 24-hour race–as well as the World Endurance Championship–this time fielding a LMDh prototype racer starting in 2027.
“When we race, we race to win. And there is no track or race that means more to our history than Le Mans,” exclaimed Bill Ford, Ford Motor Company Executive Chair, “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!’”
As Frédéric Lequien, FIA WEC CEO, points out, Ford’s LMDh entry marks that some 10 major manufacturers are set to compete in the 2027 WEC season, a “testament to the championship’s stellar momentum and growth."
No liveries or official driver lineups have been announced, though Ford does note that more information will be shared sometime in the future.
They were saying on IMSA Radio that Ford, McLaren, and Genesis were all expected to make announcements about getting into the prototypes. Actually, I think Genesis already had announced that a while ago, and of course Aston Martin will be at Sebring with the Valkyrie. I hope they can find a little space for Ford to slap a GTP sticker on that thing... Seems like it's getting awfully crowded on pit road which is a good problem to have as a fan!
A Ford carrying a GTP sticker would be way cool.
I've thought for a long time that Ford needed a DPi and then a GTP/LMDh ... in partnership/sponsorship with Mustang Sampling for obvious marketing reasons.
In reply to Coniglio Rampante :
That would make a good pairing.
I'd guess they'll run a Multimatic chassis like the Porsche 963 with all of their history together.
Finally joined the fray.
I remember reading they didn't enter DPi because there was no hybrid option, so was disappointed they didn't announce an LMDh when those rules came out.
So it's at least in alignment with the F1 partnership with RBR. Wonder what engine will be in it. The previous engine uses is a little long in the tooth, and it needed an ultra unique unobtanium crank to survive.
But with all of the options open- it will be interesting to hear which engine they choose.
In reply to alfadriver :
I thought Ford was providing more electric expertise to RBR. In that case it would've made more sense for them to do an LM Hypercar because LMDh uses a spec Bosch electric motor and WAE battery.
Because of that LMDh is cheaper, so I'm guessing they're adapting the Coyote from the Mustang GT3 unless they're going to back to promoting Ecoboost.
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