F1 report:FIA drop Ford BOMBSHELL in official new team announcement….Read more
FIA drop Ford BOMBSHELL in official new team announcement
Ford has a deep-rooted history in motorsport, particularly in Formula 1, where the company was a major engine supplier for much of the 20th century. In 2000, Ford further solidified its presence in F1 when it entered the sport with its own team under the Jaguar brand. However, after more than two decades, Ford is preparing to re-enter the Formula 1 scene as an engine supplier starting in 2026. This move follows the announcement that Ford will join Audi in supplying power units under the new engine regulations set to be introduced in the 2026 season. This marks a major return for the American automotive giant, which had been absent from F1 since its departure at the end of the 2000s.
In addition to its F1 comeback, Ford’s motorsport ambitions extend to the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), where it has confirmed its entry in the prestigious Hypercar class beginning in 2027. This announcement was made on Friday morning by the FIA, further signaling Ford’s intent to reassert its motorsport legacy across multiple disciplines. Bill Ford, the great-grandson of Henry Ford, the company’s founder, expressed his excitement about this new chapter in Ford’s racing endeavors. “We are entering a new era for performance and racing at Ford,” he said. “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.”
Le Mans holds a special place in Ford’s history, particularly following its iconic rivalry with Ferrari in the 1960s. The company famously took on Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, defeating them and making history in the process. Fifty years later, Ford returned to the event, once again besting Ferrari in an awe-inspiring comeback. Bill Ford emphasized how important Le Mans is to Ford’s racing legacy, stating that the company is thrilled to return to the prestigious event and compete at the highest level of endurance racing once more.
Frederic Lequien, the CEO of the FIA World Endurance Championship, also commented on Ford’s return to the series, highlighting how the company’s longstanding association with motorsport success makes it a perfect fit for the Hypercar class. “Ford has been synonymous with success both on and off-track for decades,” Lequien said. “We are delighted that the company has chosen the FIA World Endurance Championship for its latest challenge.” He further noted the growing stature of the WEC, with at least ten major automotive brands committing to the championship’s top-tier in 2027. This surge in manufacturer involvement is a clear indication of the championship’s rising popularity and the strength of its future prospects.
Ford’s re-entry into endurance racing with a Hypercar program is seen as a significant milestone, not only for the brand but for the FIA World Endurance Championship as a whole. The decision comes after years of growing interest from automotive manufacturers in top-tier endurance racing, where the Hypercar class represents the pinnacle of performance and technology. Ford’s return will add to the highly competitive field of manufacturers in the series, increasing its visibility and attracting even more attention from fans and automotive enthusiasts worldwide.
Ford’s participation in the WEC and the 24 Hours of Le Mans aligns with the company’s broader strategy to push the boundaries of performance engineering, both on the racetrack and on the road. As Ford continues to innovate with its vehicles, particularly in electrification and performance models, its return to racing serves as a statement of intent to not only challenge the status quo in motorsport but also to showcase its engineering prowess on a global stage.
In conclusion, Ford’s renewed focus on motorsport, with its return to both Formula 1 and the World Endurance Championship, signals the company’s commitment to excellence and innovation. Its entry into the Hypercar class in 2027 and return to Le Mans reflects the company’s desire to build on its rich history of racing success, while its involvement in Formula 1 as an engine supplier is set to rekindle its legacy in the premier motorsport category.
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