Ford confirms return to Le Mans 2027 with ORECA

The French manufacturer ORECA will add Ford to its LMDh portfolio after confirming the alliance for the 2027 WEC program on Friday. Hugues de Chaunac's company already develops chassis for Acura and Alpine, while progressing with Genesis for its entry into the Hypercar category.

Dan Sayers will leave Red Bull Ford Powertrains to lead the American project. The British engineer will abandon the development of the 2026 F1 power unit that he started from scratch in the Red Bull-Ford partnership.

Ford bets on proven LMP2 experience

ORECA has accumulated 10 consecutive victories at Le Mans in LMP2, consolidating its dominance in endurance prototypes. Its facilities in Signes, Magny-Cours and Indianapolis support simultaneous programs in WEC, IMSA and European regional series.

"Thanks to Ford, ORECA is preparing to write an unprecedented chapter in its endurance racing history," declared De Chaunac after the announcement at Circuit de la Sarthe. The experience includes 240 LMP2 victories and current Hypercar presence with three major manufacturers.

Jim Farley, Ford CEO, set clear expectations: "We're returning to Le Mans to win, we don't hide it. On Sunday it will be 56 years since our last overall victory. That's long enough."

We're returning to Le Mans to win, we don't hide it. On Sunday it will be 56 years since our last overall victory. That's long enough.

Sayers leaves F1 for second Ford project

Sayers' move marks a reorganization within the Ford Performance ecosystem. At Red Bull Powertrains, the British engineer led from the beginning the development of the power unit that will compete in F1 starting in 2026.

His career at Aston Martin Racing spans a decade as Technical Director, overseeing development of the V12 Vantage and multiple competition programs. "After leading Aston Martin to class victories at Le Mans, achieving overall victory with Ford is very special," he explained.

His previous experience includes LMP1 and Dakar transmission design at Ricardo, plus WRC projects with various manufacturers.

LMDh landscape consolidates towards 2027

Ford joins an expanding LMDh grid that currently includes Porsche, Cadillac, BMW, Acura and Alpine as competitors. Genesis plans its debut for 2026, making Ford the eighth confirmed manufacturer for the category.

The prototype will integrate a Ford Performance engine with the common Bosch hybrid system established by regulations. Mark Rushbrook, Ford Performance global director, believes the ORECA-Sayers duo provides "the right platform to build the entire program."

Ford's last overall victory at Le Mans dates back to 1969, closing a streak of four consecutive GT40 wins between 1966-1969. Since then, the brand has limited itself to class victories with GTE Pro (2016) and Mustang GT3 (2024).