Factory-backed

Lore & Background

In Grand Prix motor racing, the most traditional definition of a works team is a manufacturer that builds its own car or motorbike including the engine. More broadly, it can be any team financed and run by a manufacturer or other organization. Scuderia Ferrari is a notable example in Formula One. The creation of the World Sportscar Championship in 1953 marked the establishment of teams like Ferrari, Aston Martin, Mercedes-Benz, and Jaguar entering multiple factory-backed cars.

Reader's Guide

Factory backing is a key element in motorsport, as competition is expensive and support is often necessary for success. The lowest form is contingency awards based on performance, while full backing provides prototype parts and backup cars. In the 2010s, many works teams entered Formula E. One-make series like Ferrari Challenge and Porsche Supercup are backed by factories to sell competition specials and offer prize money or factory drives. In lower-level racing, dealership and importer support may also be called factory backing. In drifting, factory-backed teams are few, with works drivers backed by large tuning companies rather than manufacturers.

Did You Know?

• The lowest form of factory backing comes in the form of contingency awards based on performance.
• Full factory backing can involve hundreds of millions of euros to represent a manufacturer.
• Scuderia Ferrari is a notable example of a works team in Formula One.
• In drifting, factory-backed teams are few and far between, with works drivers backed by large tuning companies.