Le Mans: Ford Targets Outright Victory in 2027 as it Recommits to Hypercar Class

Ford will return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2027, aiming for overall victory with a new LMDh prototype. This marks Ford’s first factory-backed bid for the top spot at Le Mans since the C100 Group C car in 1982. The company hopes to relive its legendary success from 1966 to 1969, when the MkII, MkIV, and GT40 dominated the race.

It has been nearly 60 years since Ford last won Le Mans outright, but its legacy remains strong. The GT40’s dominance from 1966 to 1969, including the historic 1-2-3 finish in 1966, was a defining moment in the Ford-Ferrari rivalry. Over the years, Ford has competed at various levels in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), but this new LMDh project marks a full-scale return to endurance racing’s highest tier. With its sights set on Le Mans glory, Ford is ready to build on its past triumphs and reclaim its place at the top of the sport.

Also Read: WEC 2025: JOTA Unveils Racing Gold Livery for Cadillac V-Series.R

Bill Ford, Ford Motor Company Executive Chair: 'We are entering a new era for performance and racing at Ford. You can see it from what we’re doing on-road and off-road. When we race, we race to win. And there is no track or race that means more to our history than Le Mans. 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.'

Frédéric Lequien, FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) CEO: 'Ford has been synonymous with success both on and off-track for decades, and we are delighted that the company has chosen the FIA World Endurance Championship for its latest challenge. To have at least ten major automotive brands committed to the series’ top-tier in 2027 is testament to the championship’s stellar momentum and growth.'

Also Read: Genesis Le Mans Hypercar Revealed Ahead of 2026 WEC Debut; Driver Lineup Announced

This move follows Ford's return to Formula 1 in 2026 as an engine partner with Red Bull Racing. By 2027, Ford will be involved in the top class of four FIA world championships, demonstrating a significant commitment to motorsports.

This leaves the door open for a potential return to the IMSA scene.