Ford GT race car to make EU debut at Silverstone next April

Ford GT race car to make EU debut at Silverstone next April

On it's reveal at Le Mans in June, the all-new Ford GT race car showcased its aerodynamic, carbon fibre body, coupled with a powerful twin-turbo charged EcoBoost V6 engine.

The GT race car has now been confirmed to be making its racing debut at Silverstone next April at the opening round of the FIA World Endurance Championship.

Two GTs will line up on the grid, competing in the GT-Endurance Pro Class for the Royal Automobile Club Tourist Trophy.

Ford group vice president, Global Product Development and chief technical officer, Raj Nair spoke of his excitement for the GT's race debut.

He commented: "We believe the Ford GT's advances in aerodynamics, light-weighting and EcoBoost power will make for a compelling race car that can once again compete on a global stage. The same spirit that drove the innovation behind the first Ford GT still drives us as a company today. Let the racing begin!"

The GT race car is based on the all-new Ford GT supercar unveiled in January, and powered by the same Ford 3.5-litre Ecoboost engine. Its exceptionally rigid but light chassis consists of advanced lightweight composites featuring carbon fibre.

The race car and the production car will arrive in 2016 to mark the 50th anniversary of Ford GT40 race cars placing 1-2-3 at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. Ford also won at Le Mans in 1967, 1968 and 1969.