Ford GT to Debut at Petit Le Mans?

Photo: Nick Busato

While Ford has still yet to officially confirm the existence of a race program, its new-for-2016 Ford GT may get a chance to make its on-track debut before the end of this year.

Industry sources have indicated to Sportscar365 that Ford is evaluating a potential race debut for its new GTE-spec car at the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship season-ending Petit Le Mans in October.

The Multimatic-built car, which has been designed around the ACO’s new 2016 GTE regulations, has reportedly already built, but because of the category’s technical differences cannot compete in the GT Le Mans class this year.

Instead, it would likely run unclassified at Petit Le Mans, prior to its full-season program in the TUDOR Championship in 2016, as well as an attack on the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

No word has been given on who would run the car, should it be entered for the 10-hour enduro at Road Atlanta, or a potential driver lineup, especially considering most of Ford’s contracted GTE drivers would already be competing in the race.

The Detroit manufacturer is expected to formally announce its factory GTE program at Le Mans in June.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John