The US manufacturer Ford has taken the first important steps on the path to its WEC entry in 2027 with its new LMDh prototype. After promising test drives, the focus now shifts to the further development of the vehicle systems and the search for optimal performance.
Ford is advancing preparations for a return to the top class of the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC). The new, yet to be officially named hypercar prototype completed its first extensive test drives at Circuit Paul Ricard in southern France in August. Subsequently, the development program was continued at further European race tracks.
From the team’s perspective, the first testing phase was encouraging. On the Circuit Paul Ricard, the vehicle covered more than 1,000 kilometers. Also during subsequent races in Portimão and Silverstone, Ford collected important data and experience. This involved not only the reliability of the mechanical components, but increasingly also the coordination of the electronic systems and the hybrid drive.
The next step in vehicle development
Matt Campbell plays an important role in the development process. The Australian works driver brings extensive experience from the Porsche 963 program and can bring this to bear in the work on the new Ford. After his first outings, he particularly praised the smooth running of the qualifying test.
Despite the successful start, the project still faces significant challenges. In a modern LMDh vehicle, the combustion engine, hybrid system, electronics, chassis, and tire management must work in perfect harmony. It is precisely the fine-tuning of these areas that can be crucial in determining whether a vehicle not only drives reliably but also remains competitive over a race distance.
Ford is relying on a 5.4-liter V8 engine developed specifically for the program from the Coyote engine family. The chassis is being developed in collaboration with ORECA. The combination of proven development structures and a new powertrain forms the technical basis for the WEC project.
Two vehicles are intended to accelerate the development process
By expanding the testing program, Ford intends to further intensify its development work. For the next phase, a second test vehicle is planned to be used. This allows for the parallel processing of different tasks: While one prototype can be used to investigate the electronic control and control systems, the second vehicle can be specifically used for mechanical tuning work.
In addition, further tests are planned in Europe and North America. The use on the Sebring International Raceway in Florida is expected to present particularly demanding conditions. The uneven road surface is considered a test for the suspension and vehicle structure and is therefore suitable for verifying long-distance suitability.
WEC debut in 2027 in sight
Ford plans to enter the FIA WEC hypercar class for the 2027 season. Until then, engineers must further develop the vehicle, test its durability under race conditions, and prepare the final technical specification.
The composition of the driver pairings for the two vehicles planned also needs to be determined in the further course of the development program. With Matt Campbell, Tom Blomqvist, Mike Rockenfeller, Logan Sargeant, Sebastian Priaulx and Nick Yelloly, Ford has already named six drivers for the project.
The successful debut provides a solid foundation, but is not yet evidence of future competitiveness. How quickly Ford can catch up with the established hypercar manufacturers will only be revealed in the further course of testing and at the earliest in the first races.