Ford Hypercar completes its first track tests with ORECA

FORD HYPERCAR COMPLETES ITS FIRST TRACK TESTS WITH ORECA

A few weeks after firing up its engine for the first time in ORECA's workshops, the Ford Hypercar reached another key milestone in its development by completing its first on-track test sessions.

The LMDh prototype first carried out an initial low-speed run at the Paul Ricard Circuit's Driving Center, before continuing its test program at Le Castellet Airport and then at the Paul Ricard Circuit, right next to ORECA’s Technocentre where the car was designed and developed.

From design to track

It is the result of close collaboration between Ford Racing and ORECA, the prototype was jointly developed by teams who have been working for several months at ORECA’s Technocentre to prepare for its return to competition in 2027.

All six Ford Racing Hypercar drivers attended the test during the week. Logan Sargeant, Matt Campbell, Tom Blomqvist and Mike Rockenfeller took turns behind the wheel, while British drivers Sebastian Priaulx and Nick Yelloly were also onsite to gather feedback and prepare for the next phase of testing.

This first phase of testing marks an essential step in the development of the Ford Hypercar before starting a more intensive test program, in preparation for its homologation under LMDh technical regulations.

Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Racing: “Getting our Hypercar out on track for the first time at Paul Ricard is a huge moment for the team. Every mile we put on this car brings us closer to Le Mans, and closer to reclaiming our place at the top of endurance racing. This is only the first step of a long and demanding development road, but the fact that all six of our drivers were on hand, working together and pushing this program forward, tells you everything about the spirit we're building at Ford Racing.”

Dan Sayers, WEC Hypercar Program Manager at Ford Racing: “Reaching Paul Ricard and getting the car through its shakedown and three full days of running is exactly the milestone we set out to hit. Everything we did in the buildup - the dyno work in Dearborn, the fire-up in France, the countless hours in the sim - was about making sure that when we rolled out onto track, we were ready to be plug and play. There's a long list of milestones still ahead of us before Q1 2027, but these past couple of weeks has given the team a lot of confidence and strong foundations to build on.”

Matt Campbell, Ford Racing Hypercar driver: “I've been here for the whole test and from my side, it's gone smoothly. I've seen fans online raving about how awesome the sound is, but from inside the cockpit, it's on another level – it's absolutely deafening! I'm genuinely excited for what's ahead with this car. We know there's a long road in front of us, but this has been a really positive start. I've had the most track time out of the drivers, and aside from a few minor teething issues – which you'd expect at the beginning of a new program – everything has gone well. From here, things really ramp up: I'm heading back to the USA for three days of sim work before returning to Europe for the next test.”

Hugues de Chaunac, President of the ORECA Group: “Seeing this Hypercar take to the track for the first time is a powerful moment for all the teams involved in this project. After several months of close collaboration with Ford Racing, these first real-world outings mark an important step in the car's development. At ORECA, we are proud to contribute to the return of a brand as iconic as Ford to the highest level of Endurance racing, and we are eager to continue this journey with them through to their competitive debut in 2027.”

A test program running through the end of the year

The Ford Hypercar will continue its development program through several test sessions at European circuits through the end of 2026, before heading to the United States to continue its preparation. Ford Racing will make its return to the highest level of Endurance racing in 2027 with a two-car entry in the top category of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).