Ford Mustang GT3 Makes a Triumphant Le Mans Return – Lands 4th in Qualifying but Brings More Surprises
The Ford Mustang is back at one of the world's most prestigious racing events – the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This legendary pony car isn't just there to participate; it's there to compete with the best supercars from Lamborghini, Ferrari, McLaren, and Porsche. For the third time in history, and the first since 1997, Ford has entered the Mustang into this challenging endurance race, aiming to add a new chapter to its storied Le Mans legacy.
A Strong Show in Qualifying
Ford has entered three Mustang GT3s, all run by Proton Competition. These cutting-edge cars are powered by a bespoke 5.4-liter Coyote V8 engine, specifically crafted for this grueling race. During the Hyperpole qualifying session, the No.77 Mustang GT3 showed its mettle, securing a commendable fourth-place starting position in the GT3 class. This achievement raises hopes for a strong showing in the race and possibly clenching a class win – a feat Ford hasn’t achieved at Le Mans since 2016 with the Ford GT in the LMGTE Pro category.
The three cars entered are driven by a team of experienced racers. The No.77 features Ryan Hardwick, Ben Baker, and Zacharie Robichon. The No.88 brings together Giorgio Roda, Dennis Olsen, and Mikkel O. Pedersen, while the No.44 car, completing Ford’s trio, will be driven by Christopher Mies, John Hartshorne, and Ben Tuck. This mix of seasoned endurance racers is set to bring out the best in the Mustang GT3.
More Than Just Racing
But Ford isn't stopping at just the GT3 race car. The automaker has brought the limited-run Mustang GTD to Le Mans, giving it a grand debut in Europe. This move underlines Ford's strategy to blend its rich racing heritage with exciting new models, capturing both the heart of motorsport enthusiasts and the imagination of Mustang fans worldwide.
Jim Farley, Ford’s chief executive, highlighted the importance of this return. “The Ford Mustang has raced in circuits across the world for decades, and now is the time for us to race our iconic coupe at the most important race in the world,” he said. “We are excited to return to the global stage in what promises to be one of the most exciting races of the modern era.”
The Legacy and the Engineering Marvel
Ford has a long-standing history at Le Mans, stretching back to their first entry in 1923. This year, the seventh-generation Mustang forms the backbone of the GT3 race car, showing just how versatile and formidable this platform is. Over the years, variants of this Mustang have gone head-to-head in NASCAR, NHRA, IMSA, Formula Drift, and Australia’s Supercars championship.
Especially designed in collaboration with Multimatic and WRC partner M-Sport, the Mustang GT3 boasts a slew of performance enhancements. Its 5.4-liter, naturally aspirated Coyote V8 is not just about raw power; it’s mated to a transaxle at the rear, optimizing weight distribution and handling. This focus on engineering excellence ensures that all power is efficiently transferred to the rear wheels. The exterior isn't left behind either – it's adorned with dramatic aerodynamic components, including a conspicuous rear wing, making it a marvel both in terms of form and function.
As the race approaches, all eyes will be on Ford and its trio of Mustang GT3s. Competing against nearly two dozen other GT3 cars from brands like Aston Martin, BMW, Chevrolet, Ferrari, Lexus, Lamborghini, McLaren, and Porsche, the stakes have never been higher. Stay tuned as we bring you more updates from the race and see if Ford’s iconic muscle can outlast and outclass its international rivals in the endurance arena.