Source – FIA World Endurence championship
In an attempt to relive its glory, American automaker Ford will make its debut in the FIA World Endurance Championship’s main Hypercar class in 2027, nearly 60 years after it last competed in the sport’s top division.
The echoes of motorsport history are set to thunder once more as Ford, one of the most iconic names in racing, prepares to make its return to endurance racing’s premier class. In a move that has sent shockwaves through the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) paddock, Ford has confirmed its entry into the Hypercar category for the 2027 season. This bold decision will see the American giant go head-to-head with the biggest names in endurance racing, reigniting old rivalries and forging new battles in the quest for global supremacy.
The announcement was delivered with the gravitas befitting such a historic moment. Ford Motor Company executive chair Bill Ford took center stage at Ford Performance’s annual season launch event in Charlotte, North Carolina, surrounded by an audience of 2,000 guests and 50 of Ford’s top-tier drivers from across its global motorsport divisions. It was an emphatic declaration of intent, a rallying cry that signified Ford’s commitment to conquering endurance racing at the highest level once again.
For Ford, the Hypercar class is more than just another entry in its racing portfolio—it is a statement of legacy and ambition. The Blue Oval will line up against a formidable roster of manufacturers, including Alpine, Aston Martin, BMW, Cadillac, Ferrari, Genesis, Peugeot, Porsche, and Toyota. This unprecedented level of competition is set to create one of the most fiercely contested Hypercar eras in WEC history, and Ford is ready to throw itself into the fray with the same unyielding determination that once saw it topple the mighty Ferrari.
“We are entering a new era for performance and racing at Ford,” declared Bill Ford with unmistakable passion. “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. We are ready to once again challenge the world and ‘go like hell!’”
Few rivalries in motorsport carry the weight and drama of Ford versus Ferrari. It was a feud born from rejection and fueled by a relentless desire to dominate. When Henry Ford II’s bid to purchase Ferrari was abruptly dismissed in 1963, he channeled his frustration into an all-out campaign to defeat the Italian marque on the grandest stage of all—the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Against insurmountable odds, Ford’s engineering brilliance and unwavering resolve culminated in a legendary triumph, as the Ford GT40 claimed four consecutive victories from 1966 to 1969. The battle was so iconic that it inspired the blockbuster 2019 film Ford v Ferrari, immortalizing the sheer grit and tenacity that defined Ford’s pursuit of motorsport glory.
The motorsport world has taken notice, and the response has been nothing short of electrifying. FIA WEC CEO Frédéric Lequien hailed Ford’s return as a testament to the championship’s ever-growing prestige, stating, “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 championship’s top-tier in 2027 is testament to FIA WEC’s stellar momentum and growth.”
Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), the governing body behind Le Mans, was equally enthusiastic. “It is wonderful news to welcome Ford back to the top level of the 24 Hours of Le Mans for the first time in almost 60 years. It is a brand that has always had a close affinity with this very special race, and history shows that Ford does not compete to finish second. The renewal of its famous rivalry with Ferrari is truly an exciting prospect.”
Endurance racing has entered a new golden age, and Ford’s participation in the Hypercar class only solidifies this era of intense competition. Richard Mille, FIA Endurance Commission President, underlined the significance of Ford’s decision. “Ford and endurance racing are a perfect fit, as has been proven time and again. It is a brand with a long and proud motorsport heritage, and a passion for competition instilled by Henry Ford himself. The company’s return to the highest level of the discipline is further validation of the success and appeal of the current Hypercar regulations. Endurance racing’s golden age is right here, and right now!”
With Ford’s entry into the 2027 FIA WEC Hypercar grid, the battle for supremacy at Le Mans and beyond is set to reach new heights. Old rivalries will be reignited, new legends will be written, and the roar of Ford’s engine will once again echo through the Circuit de la Sarthe. The Blue Oval is back, and it’s here to win.
