Ford Racing to Operate Full In-House Hypercar Program for WEC
Ford Racing has officially confirmed that its FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Hypercar program will be operated in-house, a departure from the traditional reliance on external teams. The program, set to debut in 2027, will be managed by Programme Manager Dan Sayers, utilizing facilities in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Racing, emphasized the strategic shift, stating, “This gives us the ability to react more quickly on track, enhancing our competitiveness.” He further noted that by managing the program internally, Ford aims to transfer racing technology back to their road cars more efficiently.
Historically, Ford’s racing initiatives have involved partnerships with teams like Multimatic Motorsports and Chip Ganassi Racing, but this new direction signifies a commitment to building internal expertise and fostering a competitive culture within Ford Racing. “We are not looking outside our walls to find who can run a programme for us; we are looking within,” Rushbrook added.
In preparation for the Hypercar’s debut, Ford Racing is actively recruiting for numerous roles including development engineers and technicians to support their testing and race operations. “Every role needs to be filled,” Rushbrook stated, underlining the importance of team cohesion and cultural alignment within Ford Racing.
The initiative will also benefit from partnerships with ORECA for chassis support and UK-based Venture Engineering for technical assistance, who collectively bring extensive experience to the program.
Rushbrook concluded, “We are building quickly and systematically,” indicating that the team is poised to make significant strides in the competitive landscape of international sports car racing, resolutely carrying the blue oval into the highest echelon of the sport.
