FORD COMPLETES HYPERCAR LINE-UP FOR WEC RETURN IN 2027
Ford’s return to the top class of endurance racing is taking shape as the American manufacturer has now completed its driver lineup for the 2027 FIA World Endurance Championship Hypercar program. The project will see Ford enter two factory cars with one clear goal: fighting for overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The final three drivers announced are Matt Campbell, Nick Yelloly, and Tom Blomqvist. They join Mike Rockenfeller, Logan Sargeant, and Sebastian Priaulx in what looks like one of the strongest driver groups in endurance racing. The six drivers bring experience from Formula 1, IMSA, the World Endurance Championship, and Le Mans.
Matt Campbell arrives after a highly successful career with Porsche. The Australian has won major endurance races, including the Rolex 24 at Daytona, and claimed multiple IMSA championships. Ford believes he will play an important role not only behind the wheel but also in developing the new Hypercar.
Nick Yelloly adds even more endurance racing experience. The British driver has won the Le Mans 24 Hours in the LMP2 category and has also taken victories in the Nürburgring 24 Hours, Spa 24 Hours, and IMSA’s top GTP class. His versatility makes him a valuable addition to the program.
Tom Blomqvist is another major signing. The British-Swedish driver is a former IMSA champion and has extensive experience racing prototypes at the highest level. He said the chance to join Ford from the beginning of the project gives him the opportunity to help shape the team and car before its competitive debut.
The three new recruits join drivers already announced earlier this year. Mike Rockenfeller brings enormous experience as a former overall winner at Le Mans and Daytona. Sebastian Priaulx has been part of Ford’s GT racing efforts and continues his rise through the endurance racing ranks. Logan Sargeant, who previously raced in Formula 1 with Williams, has switched his focus to sports car racing and is now part of Ford’s long-term plans for its Hypercar project.
Ford is treating this program as a serious factory effort. The new LMDh prototype will be built around an Oreca chassis and powered by a naturally aspirated 5.4-liter V8 engine developed and produced by Ford in Dearborn, Michigan. The engine shares its architecture with Ford’s Mustang GT3 program and will be combined with the standard hybrid system used by all LMDh cars.
The project represents Ford’s return to the fight for overall wins at Le Mans for the first time in decades. With a powerful V8 engine, an experienced technical team, and a driver lineup full of proven winners, the Blue Oval is making it clear that it is not returning simply to participate. Ford wants to challenge the established Hypercar manufacturers and compete for victory when its new prototype makes its debut in 2027.
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