Ford has officially broken cover on its new Hypercar, an LMDh-based machine powered by a 5.4-litre naturally aspirated V8 hybrid, during testing at Paul Ricard. With drivers Logan Sargeant and Matt Campbell signed, the programme targets a 2027 WEC debut and an outright Le Mans victory.
Ford has taken the covers off its long-awaited Hypercar programme, with the new LMDh-based machine turning its first public laps during a test session at Circuit Paul Ricard. The car, powered by a 5.4-litre naturally aspirated V8 hybrid powertrain, marks Ford's most serious commitment to top-class endurance racing in a generation.
The programme is built around the LMDh regulations that allow manufacturers to pair a spec hybrid system with a bespoke internal combustion engine. Ford's choice of a large, naturally aspirated V8 is a statement of intent, prioritising a distinctive engine character and reliability over the turbocharged approaches favoured by several rivals.
American driver Logan Sargeant and Australian Matt Campbell have been confirmed as the first two drivers of the programme, giving Ford a blend of single-seater experience and established sportscar pedigree. Both were on hand at Paul Ricard to begin the long process of correlating the car's on-track behaviour with the simulation work that has defined the project to date.
The target is a 2027 FIA World Endurance Championship debut, with the explicit ambition of challenging for an overall win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Ford's return to the top class adds another major manufacturer to a Hypercar field that has already revitalised endurance racing, and it arrives as the championship's competitive order continues to shift, with Toyota's 2026 Le Mans victory having ended Ferrari's recent dominance.
Aston Martin, meanwhile, continues to develop its Valkyrie Hypercar, with further testing scheduled at Silverstone as the British manufacturer works towards its own competitive debut. The growing Hypercar grid, now bolstered by Ford's commitment, points to a golden era for top-class endurance racing into 2027 and beyond.
A naturally aspirated V8 statement
Ford's choice of a 5.4-litre naturally aspirated V8 hybrid is a statement of intent, prioritising a distinctive engine character and reliability over the turbocharged approaches favoured by several rivals.
The LMDh regulations allow manufacturers to pair a spec hybrid system with a bespoke internal combustion engine.
Sargeant and Campbell signed
Logan Sargeant and Matt Campbell have been confirmed as the first two drivers, giving Ford a blend of single-seater experience and established sportscar pedigree.
Both were on hand at Paul Ricard to begin correlating the car's on-track behaviour with the simulation work that has defined the project to date.
A 2027 Le Mans target
The target is a 2027 WEC debut, with the explicit ambition of challenging for an overall win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Aston Martin continues to develop its Valkyrie Hypercar, with further testing scheduled at Silverstone.