Electric Cars

Twenty years ago, a new chapter unfolded in Formula 1 history as Fernando Alonso, behind the wheel of a Renault, clinched his inaugural World Championship. This momentous achievement on September 25, 2005, brought an end to the formidable reign of Michael Schumacher and Ferrari, marking a significant transition in the sport's competitive landscape. Alonso, then merely 24 years old, made history as the youngest F1 world champion, a record he would later concede to other talented drivers.

The Renault R25, a meticulously engineered machine crafted by Bob Bell, Mark Smith, and Dino Toso, was central to Alonso's success. This car, also piloted by his teammate Giancarlo Fisichella, quickly established itself as the leading contender due to its superior aerodynamic design, a potent 72-degree V10 engine, exceptional handling characteristics, and efficient Michelin tire management. Alonso's remarkable consistency throughout the season was evident; he secured seven victories in 19 Grand Prix races and achieved an impressive fifteen podium finishes, effectively outmaneuvering his primary rival, Kimi Raikkonen, whose McLaren-Mercedes suffered from reliability issues despite its speed.

Even now, two decades later, Alonso reflects fondly on his 2005 triumph with Renault. He acknowledges the distinct driving experience of that era, attributing it to the cars' greater aerodynamic freedom and lighter weight compared to modern F1 vehicles. This sentiment was particularly palpable when he had the opportunity to drive the R25 again in Abu Dhabi in 2020, describing it as a \"perfect machine\" that naturally evoked his peak driving abilities. His enduring connection to that championship-winning season highlights the profound impact it had on his career and the sport itself.

Fernando Alonso's journey to his first Formula 1 World Championship serves as a powerful reminder that with dedication, strategic excellence, and the right tools, even the most established dynasties can be challenged and overcome. His story inspires us to pursue our goals with unwavering commitment, knowing that every effort, every calculated risk, and every moment of consistency contributes to the ultimate victory, both on and off the track.

Ford is establishing an internal racing division in the United Kingdom to manage its participation in the World Endurance Championship's Hypercar category, commencing in 2027. This strategic shift underscores the manufacturer's commitment to a self-sufficient approach, with Ford Racing taking complete charge of its LMDh project rather than relying on external collaborations. The initiative aims to enhance responsiveness, foster innovation, and more effectively integrate racing technology into its consumer vehicles. The new operation will be based in Banbury, leveraging Ford's extensive global motorsport infrastructure and expertise.

The American automotive giant revealed its plans on Thursday, emphasizing that the new LMDh car, developed in conjunction with ORECA, will be operated directly by Ford Racing. Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Racing, articulated that this decision represents a deliberate move away from traditional manufacturer models, including some of Ford's past practices. He stated that the company is actively cultivating its racing programs from within, driven by a deep-seated passion for competition.

Rushbrook further elaborated that managing the program internally will enable quicker reactions on the track, thereby boosting competitiveness. Moreover, this approach will facilitate a more streamlined and efficient transfer of advanced racing technologies to Ford's road car divisions. The new racing facility in Banbury, UK, will serve as the hub for these operations, with additional technical and operational support provided by Witney-based motorsport consultancy group Venture Engineering.

Leading this ambitious project is Dan Sayers, whose appointment as LMDh program manager was announced during the Le Mans 24 Hours WEC event in June. Sayers, with his background at Red Bull – where he previously headed the powertrain division responsible for developing the Honda F1 engine – and prior experience with Prodrive on Aston Martin Racing programs, brings a wealth of expertise to Ford. His past successes include overseeing the development of the Vantage GTE and GT3 racers that debuted in 2018 and 2019, respectively.

Ford acknowledged the significant challenge of building both the Hypercar itself and the entire race team from the ground up before the 2027 WEC season opener. Rushbrook stressed the importance of filling every role and cultivating a team culture that embodies Ford Racing's dedication to excellence. The company is actively seeking top-tier development engineers and technicians to staff its testing and racing programs, highlighting its commitment to assembling a formidable team. While the specific configuration of the LMDh's internal combustion engine remains undisclosed, Ford has hinted that it will be a naturally-aspirated unit developed entirely in-house.

Ford's decision to launch an in-house team for its World Endurance Championship Hypercar program from 2027 marks a significant strategic pivot. By consolidating control over its LMDh project, the company aims to sharpen its competitive edge on the track and accelerate the integration of cutting-edge innovations into its production vehicles. This bold new direction, spearheaded by experienced motorsport professionals and supported by a dedicated UK base, underscores Ford's ambition to excel in top-tier endurance racing and reinforce its engineering prowess.