Ford has officially announced its return to the World Endurance Championship (WEC) starting in 2027 with a new prototype race car. The LMDh car, which will use a spec chassis from manufacturers like Dallara, Ligier, Multimatic, or Oreca, is set to follow in the footsteps of iconic machines like the GT40, and more recent successes in the Mustang GT3 and GT classes. 

While details are scarce at the moment, Ford seems confident that its comeback to the pinnacle of sports prototype racing is newsworthy on its own. We don’t yet know specifics about the powertrain, chassis partner, or driver lineup, but the company’s ambitions are clear: "Ford Performance will lead the charge with a full factory team entering the FIA WEC, aiming to take on the sport’s ultimate challenge—the 24 Hours of Le Mans." 

The goal is likely more than just competing; Ford likely has its sights set on beating Ferrari, who has been dominant with the 499P, and the idea of returning to Le Mans to claim another victory over the legendary Prancing Horse is surely part of the plan. Bill Ford, the company’s Executive Chair, even mentioned Ferrari in his comments, emphasizing that Ford’s mission is not just to race, but to win. 

This is a significant boost for the WEC, further validating the series’ new ruleset and attracting even more big names to the grid in 2027. Frédéric Lequien, CEO of the WEC, praised Ford’s decision, noting, "Ford has been synonymous with success both on and off the track for decades, and we’re delighted that the company has chosen the FIA World Endurance Championship for its latest challenge." The series is expected to feature at least ten major automotive brands in the top tier by 2027, highlighting the championship’s continued growth. 

This announcement is a welcome piece of good news for Ford, especially considering the company has faced challenges in the road car market lately. It’s also part of a broader motorsport push, as Ford is ramping up its F1 involvement as well. While the press release promises "additional details" will be shared later, it’s clear Ford is eager to maintain momentum and capitalize on the excitement surrounding this new chapter. 

Bill Ford concluded, "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… 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!’” It’s definitely an exciting time for Ford, and we’ll be keeping an eye out for more updates.