Ford has announced a groundbreaking return to top-tier endurance racing with a new LMDh prototype program, set to debut in 2027. The American automaker will initially compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Bill Ford emphasized the company's commitment to winning, stating, "When we race, we race to win. There is no track or race that means more to our history than Le Mans." He referenced Ford's historic victories over Ferrari in the 1960s and their successful return 50 years later.

While specific details about the team structure, number of cars, and technical partnerships remain undisclosed, sources indicate Ford is likely to continue its successful relationship with Multimatic, the manufacturer behind Porsche's championship-winning 963 LMDh car.

This program marks Ford's most significant prototype racing effort in decades, following various limited engagements in IMSA GTP, WEC, and Daytona Prototype categories. The announcement signals Ford's ambition to compete for overall victories at Le Mans, building on their 2016 GTE class win with the Ford GT.

Automobile Club de l'Ouest president Pierre Fillon welcomed Ford's return, noting, "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 program is expected to expand to IMSA's GTP class following its WEC debut, though the timeline for this expansion remains unconfirmed.

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