Ford Hypercar Completes First Track Tests at Paul Ricard

Ford has officially begun track testing its new LMDh prototype at Circuit Paul Ricard in France, marking a significant step in the company's return to the top tier of endurance racing for the 2027 season. The American manufacturer unveiled the still-unnamed race car on Monday, initiating a comprehensive testing programme for a machine destined to compete in the Hypercar class of the FIA World Endurance Championship.

The testing location near the headquarters of chassis supplier ORECA was deliberate. The prototype is built around an ORECA platform, a common foundation also used by manufacturers like Genesis and Alpine. At the heart of the car is a naturally aspirated 5.4-liter V8 engine derived from Ford's Coyote V8 block, which has been developed and tested in Dearborn. This engine is paired with a hybrid system to meet the championship's performance regulations, with a target output of 670 horsepower.

The initial shakedown runs commenced on August 5, 2026, and were conducted by works drivers Matt Campbell and Logan Sargeant. The full testing schedule includes fellow factory drivers Tom Blomqvist, Mike Rockenfeller, Nick Yelloly, and Sebastian Priaulx. The car appeared in a...