Full Breakdown
Ford Racing Announces In-House Hypercar Program for 2027 FIA WEC
9/25/2025, 8:37:22 PM
Ford Racing's New Direction
Ford Racing has confirmed that it will operate its FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Hypercar program entirely in-house, marking a significant shift from the traditional model where manufacturers often rely on privateer teams. This decision positions Ford Racing at the forefront of development and execution as it prepares to compete in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans and other global endurance races starting in 2027. Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Racing, emphasized the importance of this move, stating, “At Ford Racing, competition runs through our veins and, as America’s Race Team, it seems only right that we carry the banner ourselves.”
Program Leadership and Structure
The Hypercar program will be led by Dan Sayers, who has been appointed as the program manager. Ford Racing is currently in the process of filling numerous roles within the team, which will be based in the UK. The program will benefit from technical and operational support from the UK-based engineering consultancy Venture Engineering and chassis partner ORECA Motorsport, both of which bring extensive experience in endurance racing.
Strategic Advantages
Rushbrook noted that operating the program in-house allows Ford Racing to react more swiftly on track, enhancing competitiveness and facilitating the integration of race technology into future road cars. He stated, “This gives us the ability to react more quickly on track, enhancing our competitiveness. It also allows us to bring technology back to our road cars more effectively and efficiently than ever before.”
Additionally, Ford Racing aims to build a team culture that reflects its core values, focusing on passion and excellence. Rushbrook acknowledged the challenges of assembling a new team from the ground up, highlighting the need to fill every role while fostering a strong team culture.
Historical Context and Future Implications
Ford Racing's return to prototype racing builds on its rich legacy at Le Mans, where it has historically been a formidable competitor. By becoming only the third team in the WEC to run a fully in-house operation, alongside Toyota Gazoo Racing and Peugeot Sport, Ford aims to leverage its global resources, including advanced facilities in Dearborn, Michigan, and Charlotte, North Carolina.
Official Statements & Responses
In a statement, Rushbrook expressed pride in the initiative, saying, “We are not looking outside our walls to find who can run a program for us; we are looking within Ford Racing to build our programs infused with our passion.” He also noted the importance of the support from ORECA and Venture Engineering, stating, “With over 100 Le Mans starts between them, they make the perfect partners to assist Ford Racing in this exciting new endeavor.”
Criticism & Opposition
While Ford Racing's decision to operate in-house has been met with enthusiasm, some industry observers have raised concerns about the challenges of building a competitive team from scratch in a short timeframe. The need to establish a cohesive team culture and fill numerous roles may pose significant hurdles as the 2027 season approaches.
What's Next
As Ford Racing embarks on this ambitious project, the focus will be on assembling a skilled team and developing the Hypercar in collaboration with ORECA. The next steps will include finalizing the internal combustion engine configuration and ensuring that the team is fully operational ahead of the 2027 WEC season.
