Ford's New LMDh Car Hits Track in First Shakedown at Paul Ricard

Ford has finally lifted the lid on its Hypercar project. On Monday, the American manufacturer's brand-new LMDh prototype completed its maiden shakedown at Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet, marking the first step toward its World Endurance Championship debut in 2027.

The choice of Paul Ricard was no coincidence. The circuit is located close to the headquarters of ORECA, the manufacturer supplying the chassis for Ford's as-yet-unnamed prototype. The 5.4-litre naturally-aspirated V8 engine, derived from the Coyote unit and built and tested at the Dearborn facility, was fitted to the chassis and started up for the first time last month.

According to an official Ford Racing statement, testing of the Hypercar began on Wednesday, 5 August, with several days of running-in tests going smoothly and according to plan. The team methodically followed a comprehensive programme to activate and verify every control system; these are now all fully operational and ready for the first track tests scheduled for this week and next.

Baca JugaFord Perkenalkan Mobil LMDh Baru Saat Uji Coba di Paul Ricard

Factory drivers Matt Campbell and Logan Sargeant took turns at the wheel, with team-mates Tom Blomqvist and Mike Rockenfeller set to follow in the coming days. Nick Yelloly and Sebastian Priaulx will also be part of the project ahead of Ford's Hypercar debut next year.

Visually, the car features a blue-and-white camouflage design with "Ford Racing" lettering and a black fin. Its low nose is reminiscent of the Ferrari 499P, albeit without the wing running across the top like on other ORECA-based models. The raised, contoured splitter connects to the 'nose' protruding from beneath the bodywork in the centre. On the sides, there are two aerodynamic flaps, known as 'flicks'.

The front mudguard features contoured sections above the area where the headlights will be fitted, with the classic opening above the wheels. On the sides, there is a 'tunnel' between the wheel arch and the side skirts to channel airflow from the front opening beneath the bodywork. At the rear, the side wing supports are attached to the end of the wheel arch, which has an unprecedented hollowed-out shape, connecting to the central section of the bodywork where the horizontal LED strip for rear lights is visible. The curved lower panels also merge with the diffuser, which is wider and more squared-off in the centre.

Interestingly, the bonnet fin features a design very similar to the Porsche 963's, with a large air intake visible through the yellow outline on the cockpit cover. Ford appears serious about closing the gap with methodical development, and these early tests will form a crucial foundation before they take on the giants of endurance racing.