Key Takeaways (TL;DR):
- Track Debut at Paul Ricard: Ford has officially placed its un-named LMDh Hypercar on track for testing at Circuit Paul Ricard in France ahead of its 2027 World Endurance Championship (WEC) debut.
- Sargeant & Campbell at the Wheel: Confirmed 2027 race drivers Logan Sargeant and Matt Campbell spearheaded the initial testing program, with Tom Blomqvist slated to join later in the week.
- Oreca Chassis & V8 Engine: The prototype combines an Oreca-developed chassis with a 5.4-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine, which was successfully fired up for the first time in mid-July.
Following extensive virtual and simulator development, Ford has officially brought its new Hypercar prototype to the track at Circuit Paul Ricard in France. After completing a successful shakedown in early August, the LMDh prototype participated in its first formal test sessions aimed at preparing for its debut in the premier class of the World Endurance Championship (WEC) for the 2027 season.
The initial testing duties for the un-named Ford Hypercar were shared by Matt Campbell and Logan Sargeant, both of whom have already been confirmed in the team’s driver lineup for the upcoming era. Tom Blomqvist, currently competing for Acura in IMSA SportsCar during the brand’s farewell season, is expected to join testing activities at Paul Ricard later in the week.
“We initiated track testing on Wednesday, August 5, starting with several days of shakedown runs, which proceeded smoothly and according to plan,” Ford explained in an official statement. “The team worked methodically through a comprehensive program to commission and verify every control system, all of which are now fully functional and ready for early track testing scheduled throughout this week and next.”
Although Ford began its track-testing program later than fellow 2027 entrant McLaren, which put its own LMDh prototype on asphalt in May, the American manufacturer continues to make significant strides in development. Ford has already finalized its six-driver roster for its inaugural campaign: Sargeant, Campbell, Blomqvist, Mike Rockenfeller, Sebastian Priaulx, and Nick Yelloly.
In mid-July, Ford successfully fired up the prototype’s 5.4-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine for the first time, marking the integration of its powertrain with the Oreca-built chassis.
Following the 6 Hours of São Paulo—won by the #15 BMW of Kevin Magnussen, Raffaele Marciello, and Dries Vanthoor—the WEC championship resumes on September 6 with the Lone Star Le Mans at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When will Ford debut its Hypercar in the WEC?
Ford’s LMDh Hypercar program will officially enter the World Endurance Championship (WEC) at the start of the 2027 season.
Who are the confirmed drivers for Ford’s 2027 WEC Hypercar program?
Ford has confirmed a six-driver lineup consisting of Logan Sargeant, Matt Campbell, Tom Blomqvist, Mike Rockenfeller, Sebastian Priaulx, and Nick Yelloly.
What engine and chassis setup powers the Ford Hypercar?
The prototype features a 5.4-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine paired with an Oreca LMDh chassis and the standardized hybrid unit required by LMDh technical regulations.
