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Photo: John Dagys
Ford Performance has downplayed the possibility of mounting a top-class prototype effort in the near-term, with global motorsports boss Mark Rushbrook stating the extension of the GTP/Hypercar class regulations “doesn’t mean we’re taxiing to the runway.”
While Hyundai and McLaren have re-entered evaluations in the wake of the FIA, ACO and IMSA’s decision to extend the platform through 2029, Ford’s status is unclear at the moment, although is understood not to have completely ruled out a program.
IMSA President John Doonan revealed to Sportscar365 last week that there are “several” potential new manufacturers in the wake of the news that could debut by as early as 2026, while the ACO is understood to have held discussions with at least three OEMs not currently in the top class while at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Speaking with Sportscar365, Ford’s Rushbrook denied that any sort of decision has been made but acknowledged the current strength of top-level sports car racing, which it re-entered this year with the Mustang GT3 and podiumed in the LMGT3 class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
“I believe motorsports everywhere around the world is very strong right now, especially sports car racing,” he said. “A lot of that is due to the organizations working together with convergence and stability.
“That’s what made GT3 possible for us. It also made prototype or Hypercar possible for many other manufacturers.
“If you look at the racing that’s going on there, it’s great racing, both on the IMSA and WEC sides. It makes sense for them to extend [the regulations].
“By definition, it makes the runway longer. It doesn’t mean we’re taxiing to the runway.”
When asked directly if Ford has ruled out a GTP/Hypercar program, Rushbrook said: “When we have anything to say, we’ll say it.”
Rushbrook admitted that he doesn’t feel the prototype market is currently over-saturated, despite an 11th brand in Aston Martin set to join the ranks next year.
He likened it to the current high level of manufacturer representation in the production-based ranks of GT3 and GT4 competition.
“Yes we want to win but yes we also want to compete against the best,” he said. “That’s part of the challenge of GT3 is that there’s many manufacturers there. And it’s similar in prototype.
“It’s just a great space right now.”
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