Ford Hypercar Shakes Down Paul Ricard

Test Overview

Ford’s new Hypercar completed a 1000-kilometre, three-day test at France’s Paul Ricard Circuit, covering 621 miles of the 5.842-km track over 72 hours. The run marked the first real-world shakedown of the vehicle built for the WEC Hypercar class.

The test, part of Ford’s 2027 Le Mans entry, involved six drivers, including Logan Sargeant and Matt Campbell, and was scheduled to finish before the car’s first quarter-2027 launch. The team used the run to validate systems that had been developed through dyno work in Dearborn and a fire-up in France.

The Hypercar, a prototype race car built from scratch for the top class of Le Mans, was announced nearly 19 months ago when Ford committed to the WEC Hypercar program. It is designed to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the crown jewel of endurance racing.

Dan Sayers, who left Red Bull Powertrains to manage Ford’s WEC Hypercar program, said, “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.” He added that the team had spent countless hours in the simulator to prepare.

Driver Lineup

All six drivers, including Logan Sargeant and Matt Campbell, were present at Paul Ricard during the testing week. The lineup also featured Tom Blomqvist, Mike Rockenfeller, Sebastian Priaulx and Nick Yelloly, each providing feedback on handling and performance. See the full squad for driver details.

Simulator Work

Matt Campbell, who currently drives a Porsche prototype in IMSA, said, “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.” He noted that a few minor teething issues were expected.

Campbell will fly to the U.S. for three days of sim work before returning to Europe for the next test at Portimão in Portugal, underscoring the importance of simulator work in developing the car. Logan Sargeant echoed this, saying the hours in the sim gave the team a massive head start.

Future Testing

After Paul Ricard, the Ford Racing Hypercar will test at Silverstone in England, followed by Monza and Imola in Italy, and Aragon in Spain, before heading stateside to Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Texas and Sebring in Florida.

Ford famously went 1-2-3 in 1966, breaking Ferrari’s five-year win streak, and captured overall wins in ’67, ’68 and ’69. The company sees Le Mans as a platform to showcase its engineering and market ambitions, joining the 2027 Hypercar grid with McLaren and Genesis against Toyota, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Peugeot, Cadillac and BMW.

Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Racing, said, “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.” The next test will take place at Silverstone in England.