Video: why did Ford return to Le Mans with the GT?

The Ford GT supercar is back, and it's going racing, this much you know.

It was at last year's Le Mans 24 hours that Ford's executive chairman Bill Ford announced that the new GT supercar would return to the French circuit's hallowed grounds in 2016. Not in the top flight LMP1 class, but in GTE Pro (the one for production-based racers). Why return now, in 2016?

Well, part of the reason is history. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Ford's historic win at Le Mans, where three GTs finished 1-2-3 to record a hat-trick that saw off Ferrari.

The other part? Legacy. "Sure, it’s a big risk," explains Bill Ford. "This car will, in the scheme of our earnings, not make much difference. But in the reputation of Ford Motor Company, which is something I care deeply about, this car will be huge."

So, have a watch of the video above. We'll bring you more in the run-up to Le Mans, but in the meantime, let us know what chance you think Ford has at La Sarthe...