Ford Chip Ganassi Racing has announced the full driver line-up for the four cars it is running at this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, which takes place in June at the Circuit de la Sarthe.
Sebastien Bourdais, Scott Dixon, Billy Johnson and Harry Tincknell will join the team for the famous endurance race, as well as FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA outings.
Johnson joins the No.66 Ford GT in the GTE Pro class alongside Stefan Mücke and Olivier Pla, while Tincknell will race in the No.67 car with Andy Priaulx and Marino Franchitti.
The two will compete in full FIA WEC seasons with Ford. Meanwhile Sebastien Bourdais will race alongside Joey Hand and Dirk Muller in the No.68 and Scott Dixon will drive in the No.69 with Ryan Briscoe and Richard Westbrook. The new additions will also race in the same cars at the next IMSA round in Sebring.
"For once I’m the rookie as this will be my first Le Mans," Dixon said. "I’m excited to make my Le Mans debut in the Ford GT. Like any driver it is a dream come true for me to race at Le Mans and I can’t wait to get started. The history of Ford at Le Mans is very well documented and I’m proud to be part of this very special program."
Johnson added: "Having won many races behind the wheel of Fords and having been a part of the development of the Ford GT, it’s truly an honour to be competing in the Le Mans 24 Hours on Ford’s historic return to the race."
Tincknell said: "At 24, to be driving a Ford GT car at Le Mans exactly 50 years after the famous 1-2-3 finish for the team is incredibly special for me personally. Ford has such an incredible history at Le Mans and I think with this car and team we can emulate some of that success. I’m very proud to be a part of it all."
Bourdais also commented on the news: "Le Mans is incredibly close to my heart. I was born there so it is very special to go back as the local boy, as I have done 10 times now. The excitement around Ford’s return will make Le Mans even more special for us. We have new challenges and new rivalries and we hope the story comes full circle so that we can repeat history."
