Ben Barker will saddle up a new ride for the 2024 international sportscar season after being announced as a Sports Car Factory Driver for Ford, which will see him racing the brand new Mustang GT3, developed by Ford Performance and Multimatic Motorsports.
The Briton has ridden a long trail with UK-based privateer GR Racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship until now, but switches to the Blue Oval in what he describes as an ‘amazing opportunity’. The Ford deal represents Barker’s first factory drive and will see the GT veteran link up with the vastly-experienced Multimatic Motorsports operation with immediate effect.
The advent of the Mustang GT3 project — which coincides with the 60th anniversary of the legendary model — returns Ford to the global FIA GT3 category with a race car based on the 2024 Dark Horse™ variant. Featuring a 5.4-litre naturally-aspirated V8 developed by Ford Performance and UK-based M-Sport, the Multimatic-prepared machine also includes a bespoke ‘short-long arm’ suspension set-up and a unique aero package developed to bring the Mustang into competition with other venerated marques such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, McLaren and Corvette.
“This is an amazing opportunity to race, not just with, but for an internationally-renowned marque,” Barker said of the Ford deal. “To become a factory driver is something all racers aspire too, not just as recognition of their results, but for the security that belief in their ability provides. Joining Ford and Multimatic to race the all-new Mustang GT3 is truly a dream come true.
“As well as being a major step in my career, it is also a great honour to join the list of drivers to have represented Ford and worn the Blue Oval in competition. The company has won in all major categories over the years, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to add to that at the wheel of such an iconic brand as the Mustang. Thanks to Ford and Multimatic for the opportunity, and to GR Racing for giving me the chance to show what I can do at world championship level over the years.”
Barker’s full 2024 programme will be announced shortly.
