The Blue Oval brand chose 2016 for a comeback that coincided with the 50th anniversary of its first win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966 with the #2 Ford GT driven by Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon. The American constructor then went on to clinch three more Le Mans victories in 1967, 1968 and 1969, the numbers on their four cars at this year’s race echoing those four triumphs.

Ford could not have celebrated its special anniversary in more spectacular style! On Sunday 19 June 2016, we came full circle when, after a truly exhilarating race, the Ford GTs beat off the Ferrari F488s, relentless in their pursuit, and especially the #82 car fielded by Rizi Competizione which eventually finished second. It was the #68 car, run by Joey Hand, Dirk Müller and Sébastien Bourdais, that triumphed for Ford, while the #69 driven by Ryan Briscoe, Scott Dixon and Richard Westbrook was third past the flag.

The #66, entered by Ford Chip Ganassi Team UK and shared by Stefan Mücke, Olivier Pla and Billy Johnson, was just behind in fourth place (see our interview with Olivier Pla). The #67 car, raced by Marino Franchitti, Andy Priaulx and Harry Tincknell, was less fortunate however, suffering gearbox issues at the very start of the race.

Relive the Ford Adventure at the 2016 Le Mans 24 Hours in this video!

Video: YouTube - Ford Performance