Ford Racing Shakes Up the Game: In-House Hypercar Team Set to Dominate WEC by 2027
In a bold move that is sending shockwaves through the motorsport world, Ford has announced the establishment of its own in-house race team, poised to take on the formidable World Endurance Championship (WEC) with its groundbreaking Hypercar programme starting in 2027. This significant decision marks a pivotal shift from the traditional collaboration model many manufacturers have relied on, including Ford’s own past strategies.
Mark Rushbrook, the global director of Ford Racing, emphatically stated, “Breaking from the traditional model of many manufacturers – and often our own model in the past – Ford Racing will oversee and manage every aspect of our prototype sportscar racing project.” This is not just a change in management; it represents a fierce commitment to harnessing Ford’s rich racing heritage and passion for competition. “We are not looking outside our walls to find who can run a programme for us; we are looking within Ford Racing to build our programmes infused with our passion,” Rushbrook declared, making it clear that the American giant is ready to take full control of its racing destiny.
The new race team will be strategically located in Banbury, UK, leveraging local expertise while drawing on global resources from Ford’s facilities in Michigan and North Carolina. The partnership with the Witney-based motorsport consultancy, Venture Engineering, promises vital technical and operational support to ensure this ambitious project’s success.
At the helm of this exciting initiative is Dan Sayers, who was recently appointed as the LMDh programme manager. Sayers, a veteran of the industry with a rich history at Red Bull and Prodrive, is set to lead a team that embodies the spirit of Ford Racing – passionate and relentless in the pursuit of excellence. Rushbrook emphasized the challenges ahead, stating, “Between now and the 2027 WEC season opening round, we will need to not only build the car itself but every part of the team as well.”
The urgency is palpable as Ford embarks on this monumental journey. “Every role needs to be filled, and that is no small task because we aren’t just filling the positions; we are building a team culture which mirrors that of Ford Racing,” Rushbrook added, revealing that discussions with top development engineers and technicians are already underway to ensure a robust testing and race programme.
Ford’s ambitious entry into the Hypercar arena was initially announced at the end of January, but it was at the prestigious Le Mans event in June where the partnership with ORECA for car development was solidified, along with Sayers’ recruitment. While details of the internal combustion engine remain under wraps, Ford has hinted strongly that a naturally-aspirated configuration is on the table, diverging from the turbocharged trends dominating the industry.
With this monumental strategy, Ford Racing is not just preparing to compete; they are gearing up to dominate the world of endurance racing. The implications of this move resonate far beyond the racetrack, as the technology developed in the heat of competition will undoubtedly find its way into Ford’s road cars, enhancing performance and innovation for everyday drivers.
As the countdown to 2027 begins, all eyes will be on Ford Racing, waiting to see how this powerhouse will transform the landscape of endurance racing as we know it. Buckle up, motorsport fans; the race for supremacy is about to get exhilarating!