Sixty years after the historic 1966 1-2-3 sweep, Ford Racing and Proton Competition prepare to tackle the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the Ford Mustang GT3
The global Mustang GT3 program continues to showcase the durability and performance of the naturally aspirated 5.4-liter V8 engine on the world’s biggest stage
Le Mans 2026 serves as a critical stepping stone toward the highly-anticipated return of Ford Racing to the top-tier Hypercar category in 2027
Ford Racing are primed to take on the ultimate test of endurance at the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans, round three of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), later this week (13-14 June). Fielded by customer partner Proton Competition, a pair of Ford Mustang GT3 cars will battle in the highly competitive LMGT3 class, carrying the spirit of America's Race Team to the world's most famous endurance race.
Eyeing the Podium: Lessons from Spa-Francorcamps
The team arrives at Le Mans carrying immense momentum and a hunger for redemption. At the previous FIA WEC round at Spa-Francorchamps, both Mustang GT3 entries showed formidable pace, leading the highly competitive LMGT3 field before misfortune intervened. Now, Ford Racing and Proton Competition are determined to leverage the extensive experience and technical data gathered over the previous two WEC rounds to secure a coveted podium finish at Le Mans.
Sixty Years of Legacy: Remembering 1966
Le Mans has always occupied a special place in Ford Racing's story. Everyone in motorsport knows the legend of 1966 - the year Ford Racing didn't just win Le Mans, but achieved a historic, clean 1-2-3 sweep with the GT40, forever changing the course of endurance racing history.
Sixty years later, in 2026, people still talk about that monumental achievement because it represented pure innovation, relentless determination and an unwavering willingness to take on the biggest challenge in the sport. The Mustang GT3 cars competing this weekend carry that same relentless DNA.
24 Hours of Le Mans Schedule
*All Times Local
Wednesday 10 June
14:00 Free Practice
18:45 Qualifying Practice – LMP2 / LMGT3
19:30 Qualifying Practice – Hypercar
22:00 Free Practice 2
Thursday 11 June
14:45 Free Practice 3
20:00 Hyperpole
23:00 Free Practice 4
Saturday 13 June
12:00 Warm-up
16:00 Start of Race
Sunday 14 June
16:00 End of Race
DRIVER QUOTES:
No. 77 Ford Mustang GT3
Sebastian Priaulx: “Obviously Le Mans is one of the biggest races on the planet. It’s always been a dream of mine to race there and this is my second time and now I feel ready more than ever. It will be my first time racing at Le Mans with Ford and competing at the front is the aim. You always learn when you go to this race so for me, it's going to be about doing the best I can and also getting prepared for Hypercar in 2027. I’m just very excited to be there again and in with a chance to have a podium, or even better – a win!”
Ben Tuck: “I’m really happy to be back for my third year at Le Mans, my third year in a row. And every year I've competed at Le Mans, it's been in a Mustang as well. Three is also my favorite number so maybe it’s third time lucky for us in 2026. Who knows! I feel like we are going to have a good one this year and I’m really excited for it. We've been a bit unlucky and had a couple of unfortunate results in Imola and Spa when the potential was more. So, like I say, third time lucky and let's just see where we get to.”
Eric Powell: “So far it’s been a really interesting start to the season. I’ve personally learned a great deal from the team and my teammates in the first two rounds. We definitely showed some promise at Spa despite the results and I’m just hoping we as a team can make another jump. The whole Le Mans thing is very exciting and is 100% a dream come true for me, especially with the history Ford has here. I certainly hope we can add to that but there is no secret this race is going to be a massive challenge and especially for me being my first time. However, I’m so lucky to have so many amazing resources in Proton and Ford as well as my teammates to help guide me through it.”
No. 88 Ford Mustang GT3
Logan Sargeant: “I think Le Mans is the most prestigious endurance race in the world so I'm certainly looking forward to my first proper one. I had the opportunity to drive at Le Mans for the first time a few years ago [2021] in a Ferrari GT3 but I'm looking forward to coming back – this time in the Ford Mustang. I didn't do the 24 that year, but at least I have some track knowledge which always helps so I'm looking forward to going back and having a good run and hopefully having a chance to win with my team-mates.”
Giammarco Levorato: “It’s time for the most important race of the season. This will be my second year competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, but the feeling is just as special as the first time. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to race in such an iconic event. Last year was all about learning and gaining experience at Le Mans; this year, the goal is clear: fight for a strong result and aim for the top step of the podium. Our Ford Mustang GT3 has shown strong pace in the opening races of the season, and that’s thanks to the hard work and commitment of Ford Racing, Multimatic Motorsport and Proton Competition. We’re ready to give everything we have to achieve the best possible result.”
Stefano Gattuso: “I am super excited for the next race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans - the most important race of the season and the most important race in the world. It will be my second year in a row there and this year I arrive with more experience about the championship and the rules. I also have more confidence with the car and know everyone well in the team. So, everything is better than last year. I'm happy about my season start both in Imola and Spa because I was leading the race both times and so I'm very confident for having a good weekend also in Le Mans. The teams at Proton and Ford have been working very hard this season so I hope we can reward them with a good result.”
