Ford Performance announced a triumphant return to prototype racing in 2027, returning to the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) after decades of absence from the racing series. The decision wasn’t made lightly by The Blue Oval, and extensive consideration went into choosing the right direction, ultimately leading the automaker to focus its efforts on developing a LMDh class entry.
Mark Rushbrook, head of Ford Performance, explained exactly what went into that decision. In a report from Racer, Rushbrook explained that the initial evaluation process led The Blue Oval to LMDh (which is short for Le Mans Daytona hybrid) competition rather than LMH (or Le Mans Hypercar). Ultimately, Ford decided that it had a better shot at winning with a vehicle that conforms to LMDh specs rather than LMH.
“We did our due diligence,” Rushbrook said. “We looked at LMH but we believe we can win with LMDh, we believe we can get the tech transfer and learning right.”
LMH allows automakers to design their vehicles from top to tail, including every element of the hybrid system, which must be positioned on the front axle. LMDh is more cost-effective for automakers, allowing them to utilize a higher percentage of off-the-shelf parts, although they are limited to sourcing the vehicles “spine” from one of four licensed constructors. At this time, Ford Performance has not named its supplier, although Rushbrook indicated that the decision has already been made.
While the 2027 racing season seems like it’s a long way off, Ford Performance is already hard at work developing its prototype entry. This includes work on its powertrain, although the automaker has not yet revealed specs. Currently, prototype racing competitors commonly harness turbocharged V6 or turbocharged V8 engines. Cadillac, meanwhile, is the only manufacturer in the division to utilize a naturally aspirated V8. For reference, Ford uses a naturally aspirated eight-cylinder in its Ford Mustang GT3 race cars, along with its Ford Raptor T1+ racer.
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More thanlikely, thir partner could be Multimatic yet again…since they’ve had pretty good results from this partnership as named above. Not pursuing LMH seems like a good move. LMH is really the most locked down specs, so freedom to develop is limited.