“We’re back. We’re back at Le Mans with a supercar.” Bill Ford
[Not a valid template]Time to celebrate, for Ford will make its official return to Le Mans next year, 50 years after the company’s legendary 1-2-3 finish at La Sarthe with the original GT40.
Its challenger for GTE Pro honours – against works entries from Aston Martin, Porsche and Corvette – will be the brand new GT, which in road-going guise utilises a 3.5-litre turbocharged EcoBoost. Michelin slots in as official tyre suppliers, while IndyCar and United SportsCar Championship heavyweights Chip Ganassi Racing will run the program. As well as Le Mans and the World Endurance Championship, Ford will compete in the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship and the car will make its race debut at next year’s Daytona 24 Hours.
Though two teams and four cars have been confirmed, no details have to be unveiled concerning driver line-ups, although five-time Daytona 24 Hours winner Scott Pruett – a Chip Ganassi stalwart – has been tipped for a berth.
Ford’s dominant victory at Le Mans in 1966 was just the start, the company going on to take four wins on the bounce at La Sarthe.
And now for the launch video…
