Ford to return to Le Mans in 2027 with an LMDH

Ford has confirmed its return to the top class of the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2027, with a factory prototype aiming for victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The company, which has played a key role in the history of the race, will once again compete at the highest level in endurance racing.

Its last participation in Le Mans' top category was in the 1960s, when it secured four consecutive wins from 1966 to 1969 with the GT40. In recent years, its endurance racing presence has focused on the GT classes, achieving a class win in 2016 with the Ford GT and preparing for its return with the Mustang GT3 in 2024.

A plan to regain prominence in endurance racing

Ford’s announcement reinforces the growth of the WEC and the expansion of the Hypercar category, which in 2025 will feature eight manufacturers and 18 cars on the grid. Among them, Toyota, Ferrari, Porsche, and Peugeot are already competing, while Genesis has confirmed its entry for 2026.

Ford's return will revive its historic rivalry with Ferrari at Le Mans, a competition that shaped the race’s history in the 1960s and saw another chapter in 2016 when Ford claimed victory in the GTE-Pro class.

Bill Ford, the company’s Executive Chairman, shared his vision for this return: "When we race, we race to win. There is no race more important to our history than Le Mans. We will return to challenge the best and compete at the highest level."

The Hypercar category continues to attract manufacturers

Ford's interest in the WEC stems from the consolidation of the Hypercar class, which allows both LMH and LMDh prototypes under more accessible regulations. This format has been instrumental in attracting Aston Martin, BMW, and Cadillac to the championship, and now Ford joins the competition.

Frédéric Lequien, CEO of the WEC, highlighted the significance of the announcement: "Ford has been a benchmark in motorsport, and its decision to join the championship’s top class confirms the series’ growth."

Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), also welcomed the brand’s addition: "Ford and Le Mans have been linked for decades. Their return to the top level is great news for endurance racing."

Ford at Le Mans: a history of success

Ford’s connection to endurance racing began in the 1960s when the brand focused on defeating Ferrari at Le Mans. After several unsuccessful attempts, the GT40 secured its first victory in 1966 with a historic 1-2-3 finish and repeated its triumphs in 1967, 1968, and 1969.

After this era, Ford stepped away from Le Mans' top category for several decades, though it continued competing in other divisions and collaborating with manufacturers across endurance racing series.

In 2016, marking the 50th anniversary of its first Le Mans victory, Ford returned with the GT in the GTE-Pro class, securing a class win in a battle against Ferrari. In 2024, the company will enter the GT3 class with the Mustang, and in 2027, it will compete for overall victory with a prototype developed by Ford Performance.

With this announcement, Ford joins a growing list of manufacturers investing in the WEC. Its return to Le Mans' top class reinforces its commitment to endurance racing and opens a new chapter in its motorsport legacy.