Ford fires up its 2027 Le Mans weapon at Paul Ricard

Ford’s return to the top tier of endurance racing suddenly feels a whole lot more real.

On Monday, the American giant rolled out its brand-new LMDh prototype at Circuit Paul Ricard, beginning the track-testing programme for a machine destined for the FIA World Endurance Championship’s Hypercar class in 2027.

The location was no coincidence. Paul Ricard sits close to ORECA’s headquarters, with the French constructor supplying the chassis around which Ford’s new weapon has been developed.

At its heart lies a naturally aspirated 5.4-litre V8 derived from Ford’s legendary Coyote engine, developed and tested in Dearborn before being fired up in the prototype for the first time last month.

The car arrived in a striking blue-and-white camouflage livery, concealing some of its final details while still offering plenty to feast on. Its dramatically low nose, sculpted bodywork and intricate airflow channels give the prototype a distinctly aggressive stance, while the rear features unusual hollowed-out wheel arches and a broad, squared-off diffuser.

Works drivers Matt Campbell and Logan Sargeant shared the maiden running, with Tom Blomqvist and Mike Rockenfeller next in line. Nick Yelloly and Sebastian Priaulx will also contribute to the testing programme.

Ford’s new endurance challenger is still very much a work in progress – but the countdown to 2027 has officially begun. After more than two decades away from the sport’s top class, the Blue Oval is back in the hunt.