Ford Motor Firm has revealed two of its key constructing blocks for its boldest endurance racing initiative in many years. The Dearborn icon confirmed its long-awaited return to the highest tier of worldwide sports activities automobile racing in 2027, and has now unveiled two important parts of its upcoming FIA World Endurance Championship Hypercar effort: a technical partnership with famend French chassis constructor ORECA, and the appointment of motorsports veteran Dan Sayers to guide this system.
In an announcement made on Friday at Le Mans, on the largest gathering of racing Mustangs ever assembled on the Circuit de la Sarthe for 2 Invitational Problem help races by which he’s competing, Ford President and CEO Jim Farley delivered his announcement with conviction: The purpose is obvious, Ford is coming again to win Le Mans.
“Bringing Ford again to the highest class at Le Mans has at all times been a dream for many people, together with our Government Chair Invoice Ford,” mentioned Farley. “To have the ability to associate with ORECA is a proud second for Ford. We’re coming again to Le Mans to win, and we aren’t making {that a} secret.”
Ford’s rivalry at Le Mans with Ferrari is without doubt one of the most iconic in motorsports historical past. It started within the Nineteen Sixties when Ford, spurned by a failed try to buy Ferrari, launched an all-out assault on Le Mans. With the GT40, Ford toppled Ferrari’s dominance, famously going 1-2-3 in 1966 and profitable 4 consecutive occasions by way of 1969. That period redefined American ambition in worldwide motorsports, and was rekindled by the 2019 blockbuster racing film Ford v Ferrari, which starred Matt Damon and Christian Bale.
The truth that Ferrari has gained the previous two editions of Le Mans would possibly simply have been the set off to resume their epic rivalry, whereas its home nemesis, Basic Motors, scored a entrance row lockout for this yr’s working through its Cadillac model on Thursday night time.
“On Sunday, it is going to be precisely 56 years since we final took the highest step of the general podium right here,” added Farley. “That’s lengthy sufficient. In 2027, we’re coming with the identical stage of expectation, and we’re entrusting ORECA to assist us tackle Ferrari and the opposite top-class groups as we did again within the Nineteen Sixties.”
Whereas Ford returned to the race within the GTE-Professional ranks in 2016 with class victory at Le Mans, and extra not too long ago with Mustang GT3 entries, this new Hypercar mission re-establishes the model’s intent to as soon as once more combat for outright victory as soon as extra. As the chosen chassis associate, ORECA brings a aggressive observe report to the trouble.
Based by Hugues de Chaunac in 1973, the French engineering powerhouse has amassed practically 240 wins in LMP2 competitors, together with 10 straight Le Mans victories within the class. Their presence in Hypercar, already supporting a number of producers, makes them a pure associate to provide a critical contender for the Blue Oval.
“We’re honored that Ford has chosen ORECA to design the long run WEC Hypercar for his or her return to the prime tier of endurance racing,” mentioned de Chaunac. “This strategic partnership is a key a part of our ongoing dedication to the very best stage of racing, and to the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans.”
Steering the technical course of this system might be Dan Sayers, a revered identify in worldwide motorsport with a profession spanning Components 1, WEC and World Rally Championship. Sayers joins Ford from Purple Bull Ford Powertrains, the place he performed a key position within the improvement of the 2026-spec F1 hybrid energy unit. He beforehand served as Technical Director at Aston Martin Racing, the place he was instrumental within the design of the V12 Vantage and a number of Le Mans class victories.
“To guide Ford again to its non secular residence at Le Mans was a problem I couldn’t flip down,” mentioned Sayers. “Having beforehand led Aston Martin to a number of Le Mans class victories, the chance to take general honors with Ford is one thing very particular.”
Steering the technical course of this system might be Dan Sayers, a revered identify in worldwide motorsport with a profession spanning Components 1, WEC and World Rally Championship. Sayers joins Ford from Purple Bull Ford Powertrains, the place he performed a key position within the improvement of the 2026-spec F1 hybrid energy unit. He beforehand served as Technical Director at Aston Martin Racing, the place he was instrumental within the design of the V12 Vantage and a number of Le Mans class victories.
His appointment underscores this system’s seriousness – Ford is clearly recruiting from the highest shelf to make sure each element, from engineering to execution, is prepared for the pressures of Le Mans.
Ford’s return in 2027 isn’t only a nostalgic play; it’s a strategic re-entry into the very best echelon of motorsport at a time when the Hypercar class is attracting an unprecedented stage of producer engagement. The convergence of luxurious, heritage, and efficiency embodied by this program makes it particularly compelling to collectors and motorsport devotees alike.
Supply: Ford
