Ford’s Return to Le Mans: A Long-Awaited Reprise
Ford is set to return to the Le Mans 24 Hours, aiming to replicate its storied successes from the 1960s, when it clinched four consecutive overall victories from 1966 to 1969. This ambitious return, however, has taken longer than many expected. The American automaker will join the new golden age of sportscar racing with an LMDh car in 2027, which will be the fifth year for the LMDh ruleset or the seventh year of the Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) category. Ford’s long-standing interest in returning to Le Mans has been evident since as early as 2018, when the company was one of the core manufacturers involved in formulating the LMH regulations. Despite this early involvement, the question remains: why has it taken so long for Ford to make this move?
The Uncertainty That Delayed Ford’s Return
Mark Rushbrook, Ford Performance’s global director, explains that the strategic decision was influenced by significant uncertainties in the sportscar racing landscape. In 2018, when Ford was considering a return, the future of the LMP1 category and the convergence process between the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the IMSA SportsCar Championship (IMSA) were unclear. Rushbrook emphasizes that the "state of transition" in the sportscar world, particularly the lack of certainty about the full convergence of LMH and LMDh regulations, made it difficult for Ford to commit at that time. He states, "At the point in time we needed to make decisions it didn’t seem right to us. So we said we are not going to go in until we are certain that it is right."
Focusing on Other Projects
While the world of sportscar racing was in flux, Ford had other priorities. In January 2022, the company announced its Mustang GT3 program, followed by plans for a GT4 version, the Dark Horse R trackday machine, and a one-make racer. These projects required significant resources and attention, shifting Ford’s focus away from top-tier sportscar racing. Rushbrook explains, "Bringing three new Mustang race cars out in 2024 took a lot of resource during 2022 and ’23, so that was our focus in sportscars." The Mustang, an iconic model, is a cornerstone of Ford’s motorsport strategy, which includes participation in Supercars in Australia and NHRA drag racing.
A New Opportunity Emerges
The turning point for Ford’s return to Le Mans came in June 2022 when the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) and the FIA, along with IMSA, confirmed the extension of the LMH and LMDh rule cycles through 2029. This extension provided the stability and longevity Ford needed to commit to the LMDh program. Rushbrook acknowledges, "With the regulations extending two additional years to allow us to race up to 2029 there is still time to get in on these car regulations to develop a Ford LMDh." The company saw the LMDh path as a responsible and efficient way to return to the top level of sportscar racing, even though LMH offered more opportunities for innovation and tech transfer.
Ford’s Dual Commitment to Motorsport
Ford’s return to the top tier of sportscar racing coincides with its re-entry into Formula 1 as an engine supplier in partnership with Red Bull. Despite this major commitment, Rushbrook emphasizes that the LMDh program is a "halo" that "cements" Ford’s commitment to international sportscar racing with the Mustang. The emotional pull of Ford’s historic Le Mans victories, particularly the triumph over Ferrari in the 1960s, also played a significant role in the decision. Rushbrook notes, "There is a lot of emotion there through the Ford family, the Ford leadership team, and through our entire employee base. It is a point of pride for us competing in motorsport in different places, but especially Le Mans."
Commitment and Vision for the Future
While the initial commitment is through 2029, Ford’s vision for its return to sportscar racing is long-term. The company is not yet disclosing details about potential IMSA participation or the specific chassis partner for its LMDh program, though ORECA is a strong contender. Rushbrook is clear about Ford’s dedication: "All we can commit to at this point is through ’29 because that is what the regulations are good for. We will see what happens with those regulations, but I don’t see a major departure from where they are today [in 2030]. I think it will end up as a longer-term commitment." Ford is back, and it is back with a vision to make a lasting impact in the world of top-tier sportscar racing.
