Ford Performance has unveiled its strategy for entering the Hypercar class in the FIA World Endurance Championship, with plans for a 2027 debut. Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance, shared key details about the program's development.

The timing of Ford's entry aligns with the maturation of the Hypercar/GTP era and follows the completion of several major racing initiatives, including global Mustang racing programs and off-road racing efforts.

Key decisions and details:

• Platform: Ford has chosen LMDh over LMH after evaluation
• Engine: Will feature a V8 (final configuration still under consideration)
• Development Timeline: Virtual design work in 2025, track testing in 2026
• Team Structure: Will partner with a European-based service provider
• Program Duration: Committed through 2029, with potential for extension

The program will initially focus on WEC participation, with potential expansion to IMSA in the future. Ford has confirmed that this new endeavor won't affect their current GTD PRO factory effort with the Mustang GT3.

Critical upcoming decisions include:

• Finalizing chassis partner (decision made internally but not yet announced)
• Selecting team partner from a "modest-sized list"
• Determining styling direction (not necessarily Mustang-based)

The program represents Ford's bid for a fifth overall Le Mans victory and commitment to top-level sports car racing competition against major manufacturers. Rushbrook emphasized the importance of competing against rivals like Ferrari and other manufacturers in both LMDh and LMH categories.

The company views this as a long-term commitment to international sports car racing, with the potential for expansion into IMSA competition depending on future developments and opportunities.

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